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MY LIFE

AND

BALLOON EXPERIENCES.

MY LIFE

AND

BALLOON EXPERIENCES.

HENRY QpXWELL.

SECOND SERIES.

EonDon :
W. H. ALLEN & CO. 13 WATERLOO PLACE, S.W.

1889.

iff yy

THE NEW YORK

PUBLIC I '"^APY

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CONTENTS.

Introdactory Bemarks to Part II.
CHAPTEB I.

PAOB

My First War Balloon 1

War Balloons 3

Night Balloon Ascent at Leeds 4

Amusing Scenes and Surprises 5

The Farmer and the Aeronauts 6

My Balloon descends in Essex by Night 8

Death of a French Aeronaut at Tottenham 13

Professor Baldwin the Parachutist 21

CHAPTER II.

A Night and Morning Survey of Seven Counties

The Derby Arboretum Festival

Caught in a Thunderstorm

Sheffield and Leeds . • . .

Exploration of Australia with Balloons

Five Hundred Venerable Visitors

Ascent before the Queen and Prince Consort

23
30
31
32
33
34
36

CHAPTEB IIL

Interesting Trip from Chester • . 41

Discussion about War Balloons 43

Balloons at the Crystal Palace 47

The Balloon " Queen " in a Storm 48

The First G^ala at York . . . . ' 54

Fatal Fall of an Aeronaut ' 58

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER IV.

Balloons ased in the Italian Campaign of 1859

Reported Destraction of my Balloons by Fire

Stormy Trip from Congleton .

A similar Perilous Descent by Mr. Green .

Another Acconnt by Mr. Green himself .

I get Homeward on Cratches • •

'* She ascended once to saTe me from reproach "

PAOK

64
69
74
81
83
84
88

CHAPTER V.

Rencontre with n^ Medical Assistant • .... 90

" Mr. Glaisher himself was to go np " 95

The Great Balloop completed at Tottenham 99

The Intended Meteorological Experiments 99

Mr. Glaisher's Report. , Objects of the Experiments • . . 102

Instruments and Apparatus 103

Dry and Wet-Bulb Thermometers 104

Regnault*s Conde^sing^ Hygrometer 105

Mr. Glaisher's Report of the First Ascent 105

My own Version of our First High Ascent 108

CHAPTER VI.

The Reception I met with at Home 114

Our Ascent firom the Crystal Palace 116

An Unscientific but Graphic Description by a Voyager . . • 121

The Unlucky Number of our Party . . . . . . 126

A Glance at the Situation 127

The Second High Ascent on August 18th 129

CHAPTER VII.

Mr. Glaisher^s Account of the Highest Ascent 130

My own Recollections of it 137

The Highest Ascent on Record. Leading Article from The Times of

September nth, 1862 144

•* OoxweU and Glaisher '' 149

CONTENTS. V
CHAPTEB VIII.

PAGB

GoYemment War Balloons 151

Militarjr Balloons 152

The Winchester Ascent. Seventy Miles in Sixty-six Minntes . . 153

Colonel McDonald's Account ...... . 156

A Step in the right Direction 158

The British Association at Camhridge \ 159

Ascent from the Crystal Palace, April 18th, 1863. Mr. Glaisher's

Account 162

Unexpected Scientific Besnlts. Beport by Mr. Glaisher . . . 165

CHAPTEB IX.

Coasting in a Balloon 172

More Information abont Bain obtained. Beport by Mr. Glaisher . 174

Balloon Survey of Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight . . . 177
Exchange of National Courtesies on October 9th, 1863. Account by

Mr. Glaisher 180

A Balloon Survey of the British Army, 1863 184

The First Photographic Trip in England 187

CHAPTEB X.

Meeting of the British Association at Newcastle in 1863 . . . 192

Mr. Glaisher on the Decline of Temperature 195

Balloon Ascent from the Cricket Ground, Newcastle . . . 199

The Fatal Balloon Accident near Nottingham 200

Second Ascent for Military Objects 203

M. Nadar's BaUoon 204

Godard's Fire Balloon, 1864 207

CHAPTEB XI.

Selections from the Bemainder of my Life 213

A Sketch of the Gala Time at York 215

Beporters in Cloudland 223

My Proposal to hold a Freemasons' Meeting in the Clouds . . 227

VI CONTENTS.

CHAPTEB XII.

FAOB

My New Balloon " Britannia " 229

Balloon Biot at Leicester • . - . . . * . . 230

By an Eye-witness 233

Compensation for the Loss sustained 235

Mr. Glaisber renders Friendly Aid 236

Ascents in Ireland, 1864 and 1865 237

A Lecture on Ballooning 239

Ascent of my New Balloon ** Besearch " from Belfast, 1865 . . 240

CHAPTEB XIIL

War Balloons and a New Method of Filling them .... 248

A Presentation 254

Forming a German Balloon Corps 255

A French Aeronaut and his Wife at Sea 256

My Last Public Ascent 257

APPENDIX.

Crossing the Atlantic with a Balloon . . . ... . 260

The Balloon Ascents of 1888 278

LIST OF ILLUSTEATIONS.

Fbontisfiece— Military BalloomBg, Working the Signals.

■ji

TO VACB PAGB

1. — ^The Use of Aerial Torpedoes 6

2. — The Principle of Gamerin*s and Le Tour's Parachute . . 17

3. — Professor Baldwin's Parachute 22

4. — Balloons used by the French during the Revolutionary War . 46

6. — ^A Fatal Balloon Descent 59

6. — First Ascent from Wolverhampton 106

7. — Ascent of my Mammoth Balloon from the Crystal Palace . 116
8. — Ascent of Mr. Glaisher and myself to an Elevation of Seven

Miles 136

9. — Ascent from Winchester 164

10. — Descent at Newhaven 164

11. — ^Ascent from Wolverton 170

12. — Nadar*s Wicker Cottage or Car 205

13.— M. Godard's Fire Balloon 209

14. — Inflation of a War-Balloon 248

15.— My Last Public Ascent 258

14. — Nadar's Ideas 273

13.— Nadar's Screw Air Ship 274

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
PART II.

5|K continuing my " Life and Expebienoes,"
which broke off at the end of Volume I. for
reasons therein explained, I do not purpose to
dwell upon the entire series of incidents which have
befMllen me, bnt merely to allnde to a few of thoBe events
in my career which may haply afford entertainment and
instruction : some pages will be reserved for an account
of the High Aaeents which were made in behalf of the
British Association, as I am anxious to do full justice
to Mr. Glaisher in his persevering efforts and meteoro-
logical observations which commenced in the year 1862,
and were carried on in various places for three successive
years.

My own version of these travels in the upper air will not
affect to imitate, bnt will follow and supplement those des-
criptions which have already been ho ably given ; and I shall

X INTRODUOrOEY REMARKS.

confine my remarks to a considertition of the practical and
aeronautical resalts of oiii' voyages : by this means I shall
be enabled to formulate my own impressions which have
not yet been pnbHshed.

It may, and I trast will be, gathered from what 1
have written in my previona volume, that my chief motiTO
for adopting "Ballooning" professionally, was not
mere idea of makiug money, hut a desire to master thl
TariouB and difficult problems of aerial navigation, so
to apply the knowledge thus obtained to Military and
Meteorological uses. And I may perhaps be permitted
to observe at the outset that, although I never ceased I
give constant attention to the question of "propulsion,
and have always been prepared to give due weight to thft
views of those who were better able than myself to fontt
theories on the subject, yet, personally, I could nev
imagine a motive power of sufficient force to direct ai
guide a balloon, much less to enable a man or a machii
to fly. I have seen bo many failures and so many ahsun
plans devised, that I am at a loss to understand hoi
ingenious men, possessed no doubt of ordinary mechanita
instinct, could have reasonably looked for success in thif
direction.

Even when, so recently as 1884, the discoveries

INTBODUCTOBY BEMABES. Xi

electricity had been utilized by Captain Benard and
M. Ereby and also by the Brothers Tissandier, I felt
certain that the difSculties to be surmounted would not
be overcome unless — ^which is, of course, out of the
question — the air should invariably remain in a calm
state.

Too much praise, however, cannot be awarded to these
enterprising and scientific aeronauts for their noble
efforts in the world of aerostatic science.

I do not, however, condemn as valueless the efforts
made to solve a well-nigh insoluble problem, for certainly
the principles of the flight of birds are better understood
than they were, and this circumstance alone would stamp
as valuable the results arising from the interchange of
opinions which have been elicited at the Meetings of
the Aeronautical Society of Great Britain, as well as at
the Balloon and other Associations in different parts
of the Continent and in America : and even without
the discovery of a motive power at once lighter and
stronger than at present exists, experts might, I believe,
under existing circumstances, get more work out of
balloons, especially in the direction of Military and
Meteorological requirements.

MY LIFE

AND

BALLOON EXPERIENCES.

CHAPTER I.

MY FIBST WAR BALLOON, WITH SIGNALS ATTACHED.

F the London and Provincial newspapers are referred
to for the month of September, 1854, it will be seen
that on the 7th of that month I ascended from the
Surrey Zoological Gardens with the object of demon-
strating to the public — and thereby perchance attracting the
attention of the Government to — a new plan of signalling
in the air.

In the announcements sent forth by Mr. Tyler, the
spirited manager of this famous place of amusement, it
was stated that " The object of the aeronaut was to rescue
ballooning from the imputation that it presented no
practical results, and to show that it was possible to
convert it into a medium for conveying important intelli-
gence." The spectator, it was further observed, "will
suppose the balloon, when he sees it let up in a captive
or free state, to be floating at a certain altitude, over a
beleaguered fortress, the authorities in communication
with it having the key of the signals, and seeking to

obtain, through these means, information as to the
approach of an enemy,

" It is obvious, from the altitude of the balloon (he it
more or less, according to the weather), that by the aid of
glasses a vast distance around may be subjected to the
minutest scrutiny, and a constant comnmnication kept np
with the authorities in the fortress. Of coarse, by a
preconcerted arrangement, each signal will convey any
sentence, word, or letter, previoasly agreed npon, and the
number of signals may be increased ad libitum, by variety
in their shape and colour.

" The fortress may be sapposed to be Sebaatopol, and
the following commauications, by way of illastration, will
be made from the balloon : —

" No. 1. — Distant approach of the Fleet and Transports.

" „ 2. — Landing of the Allied Forces,

" ,, 3. — Position taken up by the Troops.

" „ 4. — Erection of Batteries.

" ,, 5. — The different positions attacked-

" „ 6. — Final triumph of the Allies and surrender of
the Fortress to the united arms of England,
France, and Turkey."

A leading jouinal of the day, after describing this
aeronautical ventuie, proceeds to explain that : — " The
aeronaut, who set in operation once more his signals, was
well understood in the working of these by those who were
in possession of the key to them, and they resembled
somewhat those which were formerly used on the roof of
. the Admiralty. When he had reached a considerable
I altitude, ho liberated a number of pigeons, which he

BALLOON EXPEBIENOES. 3

considered as useful auxiliaries for warfare. The idea is
ingenious, and we must admit that the signals were worked
with much dexterity."

An extract of a more humorous character will suffice to
fihow the kind of reception awarded to the first display of
the sort that had ever been advanced in a branch of science
which has since for many years occupied serious attention,
and which has not only been improved upon by myself in
the year 1882, but subsequently by Mr. E. Bruce and
others ; as also by Major Jones, E.E., whose suggestions,
however, were more especially confined to small balloons.

WAB BALLOONS.

" Mr. Henry Coxwell, ready,** thus wrote the Morning
Advertiser, ** like a true patriot, to serve his country when
his country calls, and fly to her aid to Olympus high, when
danger threatens, has turned his attention to the uses to
which, in these piping times of war, ballooning may be
applied. Indignant at the airy nothingness which the
ascending experiment has hitherto revelled in, and resolved
io entirely put aside all attempts to pander to the morbid
appetite for objectionable performances, he has conceived
ihe idea of * taking stock ' of a threatened fortress, by
balloon survey, and has invented a set of signals, by which
he can communicate either disastrous intelligence or

* something to their advantage.'

** The Gardens were crowded when the noble vessel,

* like a thing of life,' showed herself anxious to spring to
her native element and leave this grovelling earth, and

" All meaner things,

To low ambition, and the pride of kings.

MY LIFE AND

^M " Attached to the hoop, and hanging helow the ca,r, waa
^fe ft large signal appamtns.

^^ft " Mr. Coxwell was furnished with a bag of pigeons, and
^^ftAdmiral C. despatched one of thorn, when he had reached
^V a high altitude, to the War Office, it was said, announcing
^m that he had hoisted his Sag and sailed from London.
V " Another pigeon was sent to the Admiralty, bnt, mis-
taking his way, the conmninication was opened, and the
' secret service ' became known.

"Several other pigeons were seen to direct their oonrse

I to the Foreign Office, and one knowing bird flew direct to
the Stock Exchange."
But let ua pass by the gibes and flaunts of the literary
penman and turn awhile to an account, conceived in a
more earnest spirit, of a
NIGHT BALLOON ASCENT AT LEEDS.
" On Monday, the scientific aeronaut, Mr. Coxwell, made
ft second night ascent from the Royal Gardens, Headingly,
near Leeds, with his celebrated War Balloon, exhibiting,
at a great elevation, the nocturnal signals which he has
proposed for war purposes. The balloon which Mr. Coxwell
has BO frequently ascended with on the Continent, by
express command, before the King of Prussia, King
Leopold, the Emperor of Austria, and the King and Queen
of Saxony, is of large proportions- The balloon was
beautifully illuminated by means of coloured fires connected
with the signals, which burst forth, illuminating the earth
below and the air for miles around. Afterwards he let go
a kind of bombshell, which descended, the sheila bursting
above the earth, and the sharp sounds of their explosion

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BALLOON EXFEBIENGES. 5

reyerberating among the hills and adjacent country. The
descent took place at Eebroyd^ near Bipponden, five miles
from Halifax and twenty from Leeds."

The engraving illustrates the plan I adopted in Berlin
and Elberfeld.

So far back then as the Crimean War period, my experi-
ments, while they met with public approval as a ** spectacle,"
were far from being seriously regarded or turned to account
by those in authority, and it needed many years of perse-
verance on my part ere a real military trial took place at
Aldershot. I had hammered away in The Times for little
less than a decade, when I was requested to be present at
a sham fight, and to ascend from Thorn Hill with Captain
Beaumont, B.E., several staff oflScers having previously
made captive ascents.

As I intend to bring my autobiography to a close in the
present volume, space fails me to refer to more than two
other journeys in this year, and, as variety is said to be
charming, I desire to place before my readers something
extremely opposite to Warfare and Bombshells.

AMUSING SCENES AND SURPRISES.

Aerial travels admit of anecdotes having a gay as well
as sombre colouring. The very act of getting away from
this our planet, is often attended with exciting surroundings,
especially when a lofty tower, a church steeple, or a row of
trees, happens to come in dangerous proximity. Then
again, the behaviour of companions, no less than their
motives for going up, affords ample scope for adventure,
while as to the return to mother earth, something en-,
livening is almost sure to crop up, especially if one drags

f Ian

MT LIFE AND

through a corn field, and has to settle with an exacting^
land-owner, inclioed to be ha.sty and not charitably disposed
towards those who nnawares and without invitation, drop
in upon him from the heavens.

Volume I. concluded with an account of a night in the
ields not far from Basingstoke, as I jumped oat of the
wicker basket, to the astonishment of a farm labourer,
who rushed to his companions in utter bewilderment ; and
well he might, for men on their way to work at early dawn,
do not as a rule tumble acrosB a prostrate balloon and &
still more prostrate " ballooaer."

I have, on many occasions, bad rather droll interviews
vrith the country folks, and at the risk of potting aside
reckonings, elevations, and fignrea, I will on this occasion
confine myself to the more attractive part of two journeys,
which were made in the year 1854 ; the first may be
characterised as

THE FABMER AND THE AEEONAUTS.

I bad ascended with the late Mr. B. 0. Conquest, and
Mr. John AUan from London ; it wns the birthday of the
former gentleman, and be resolved to commemorate it aloft.
As regards the ascent, they were of one mind, bat there
was a difference of opinion about the descent ; Mr. Allan

I wished to get as far away from home as possible, bat Mr.
Conqaeat preferred not to pass the twenty mile radios, as
his family and a host of visitors, would be at bis palatial
establishment in the City Eoad, looking for his return;
his views prevailed, and the balloon alighted near Barnet.
My companions, both of them corpulent men, had
prepared themselves for a bamp. This precaution, how-

BALLOON EXPEBIENOES. 7

ever, was not necessary on this occasion, as there was not
much wind blowing, ** There will be no rough work to-day/'
I observed, '* we shall be received with open arms by that
group in the next field."

" They do not ask us down," observed Mr. Conquest, as
the grapnel lodged in a hedge, where the people were
standing.

** No," I replied, " they certainly do not, and I observe
one man who appears to direct the movements of the rest,
he holds aloof, and tells them not to touch the balloon.*'

I then addressed this gaunt ill-conditioned fellow, and
asked him to take a glass of Mr. Conquest's champagne.

** No," said the farmer, " hang your wine, I want your
money."

" What for ? " I asked.

" What for ! " he replied, " why, damages."

'* Damages," I cried, " where are they to be found ? "

" Do you think," said he, " that a lot of people can come
into my field without doing mischief? I want to be paid."

Astonished at the demand, we all protested, and,
fortunately, no gas as yet had been let off, nor was the car
in their grasp. I whispered, therefore, to Mr. Conquest
that he had better get out and work his way home as best
he could. I also asked him when he left, to go and fetch
the grapnel and place it outside the car, but before doing
so, I let off a quantity of gas, and asked two or three men
to hold on, and after Mr. Allan and I had possession of the
iron, I again asked the farmer, who had a long stick in his
hand, to prove damage and not imagine it.

*' That can be done presently," he replied, " I want

IS MY LIFE AND

^H three pounds, and I shall stick to yon and your balloon

^V until it is pnid."

^M " Will you indeed," was the cart reply, when Mr.

^B ConqneBt, who had been apprised of my intentions, cried

" out, " Hands off there, I'll settle this matter ; " in a trice
np shot the balloon, leaving the farmer considerably
amazed, and, as we heard nest day from Mr. Coiiqaest,
fearfully enraged at being licked and laughed at on his own
grounds. After our flight to Tittenhanger, he pounced
npon Mr, Conquest, who dryly said, "Nay, I am only a
passenger, and merely reqniie twelve men and true at a
shilling apiece, to show me the way to the railway station."
" Here yon are, Sir, to any number, and as to that
greedy hound, if he lays bands on you, or interferes in any
', we'll duck him in hia own horee pond— this way. Sir,
for the up train, no one shall harm you."

At the second landing wa had quite another reception,
being invited to dinner and provided with beds, and, what
is more, sent on oar way next morning in a carriage to
catch the train.

MY B4LL00N DESCENDS IN ESSEX BY NIGHT,

creating no small amount of surprise and alarm, and no
wonder either, considering the singular circamstancea
under which it left the earth.

I was asked to ascend oncG more from the Globe Crardens,
Mile End Road, as Mr. Francis, the manager, was going to
have a benefit, and his application to me came just at a
time when I was commencing to rc-varniah the required
balloon, which had been so frequently used that it became
and although I had a second machine, I was

. BALLOON EXPEBIENCES. 9

preyented from using it as it had gone off to Sheffield by
rail, so that I had to do what I could with the faulty one.

The weather, though fine, was too hot for a balloon just
oiled, indeed, a moist atmosphere would have suited it
better than a broiling sun.

It was to be a nocturnal ascent, with pyrotechnic signals,
and a general display of fireworks beneath the car.

Had the atmospheric conditions been of a humid and
cloudy character, the holding powers of the silk would have
passed muster fairly well, but it was evident to those
possessing experience in such matters, that there would be
a considerable loss of gas ; at any rate it became doubtful,
to me personally, whether sufficient ascending power
would be retained to carry me up with the heavy mass of
fireworks which had been prepared.

As the wind was comparatively still, I was enabled to
make such a test of the ascending power as to leave no
doubt about there being a vast deficiency in this respect ;
so that I had, first of all, to turn over in my own mind
what to do in order to ensure the balloon going up with
at least part of the fireworks. Well, I hit upon a plan
which I had never tried before, and unfolded it to those
who were as much interested as I was in giving satisfaction
to the spectators.

There was, as may be imagined, a strictly private con-
versation amongst ourselves, and I was compelled to
intimate that there was some danger as to a failure, unless
they approved of, and assisted in, a novel kind of strateg}^
which would give no offence, and might, perhaps be pro-
ductive of no inconsiderable degree of satisfaction.

10 MY LIFE AND

" Then how are we to co-operate ? " asked the proprietor.

Being thus challenged to reveal the plot, I said : — "You
will have to provide us with a sack filled with straw, also a
mop, and a hat, and if you can throw in a false wig and
whiskers, and a face without much coloui' on it, we shall
then be in a position to meet any emergency, hy having a
dummy substitute as aeronaut."

' Be sure, Francis, there is no failure," cried Mr.
Gardner, " and I would suggest," he added, " that the
concert should commence earlier than expected, bo as to
draw the people away from the enclosure while you are
hatching your eggs, fur I perceive this ia a dodge of yours,
Prancis, and if it succeeds we shall think no worse of you,
hut if there ia a row, and no ascent, this will be your last
benefit."

When it was pitch dark and the visitors had re-assembled
round the balloon, there arose a cry for lighting np, but
the Manager pointed out that ablaze of light might en-
danger the undertaking, and, my voice being heard in
confirmation of this protest, the pseudo aeronaut essayed
to get in the car, an operation which he eventually suc-
ceeded in accomphshing without his real nature beinj;
discovered by a lynx eyed pnbhc.

Then the tail end of the paper tubing was ignited, and
the balloon rose in capital form, many cheering, while one
cried out, " Good night, CoKwell, a safe landing and
pleasant trip ; " another person, said to be a foreigner,
Bung out " bon voyage." Thus, amid many good wishes
and general satisfaction, the sole occupant of the cai- (the
dummy), preserved his composure, though some did con-

BALLOON EZPEBEBNOES. 11

aider that he nodded most affably his entire approval of
the good wishes expressed.

When once the fireworks were ablaze, and the dummy
balloonist became diminished in the distance, the veritable
aeronaut might have been seen by those in the secret, to
be retiring enveloped in a cloak, and his hat being jammed
over a pair of huge false whiskers. The spectators did
not notice the disgoised individual, who, to avoid a too
close scrutiny, lost no time in quietly stealing away while
aU eyes were turned aloft. Nor did he remain long within
the precincts of the Globe Pleasure Grounds ; the air was
so heavy he could not breathe freely, until he reached
his home at Tottenham, when mirabile dictu the atmo-
sphere suddenly improved, and a change came over the
spirit of the scene. Yet even now, after the lapse of years,
I well remember how glad I felt at escaping recognition ;
an angry and incensed crowd is not too nice a companion.

Fortunately I had not omitted to fix cards to the car and
net work, requesting to be informed where the descent
took place ; so on the following afternoon I went over to see
if any tidings had arrived. I was ushered into the presence
of the proprietor, who chanced to have with him a visitor ;
this latter, noticing my anxious looks and earnest enquiry,
and hearing my name, said : — " There has been the deuce
to pay down where I live, Mister, about your balloon."

I ventured to hope that "no lives were lost/* thinking
it just possible that the gas might have been fired when
the balloon landed.

" Lives lost," said the farmer ; " why there was none to
lose. One fellow found by my man Joe, was thought to

12 MT LIFE AND

haTe expired, and certainly all the life he ever had waa out
of him, hut you know, and I know, that he never had any^
Mister."

" Tou mean the figure, the effigy, I presume ; do tell as
all ahout it old friend ; nothing very aerioos I can perceive
by your looks, and by Mr. Gardner's aa well."

" I was called up this morning," said the farmer, " bood.
after six o'clock, onr foreman hegging me to hasten down
to the long mead, and to bring laj gun, as there was some
monster a-rolling about in the agony of death. ' He
has got a large eye or mouth at the top of his crown,'
continued Joe, 'and none of the men will face him ; there
is also a homary sized man dca,d on the grass.' "

"After taking down my gun," pursued the &rnief^
"Joe led me to where ray men were gathered; the monsteri
was behind a high hedge at this time, but it was bobbing.
about pretty briskly, and no sooner had I led them on
over another iield, than I stopped full short, and they all'
thought that I was done with fright,"

"I've a great mind," aaya I, "to stand off about t^
rods, and let fly both barrels among ye. Don't ye know,
Joe," I says, " what that is ? "

" No," was the answer, " do you Master ? "

"Well, that's a balloon, Joe, that is, and I am that
ashamed of you all for your ignorance. But, there, coma
along, maybe there's someone hurt." And then I founet
your deputy or effigy, as you call him, but I see very littte
family likeness."

"After that I read your orders on the ticket, but instead
of slitting your balloon up, I pulled the valve open and

BALLOON EXPEBIENCES. 13

set onr fellows to poll down the netting, as I had seen
done before in another part of the connty, and to make a
long story short, Mister, the balloon is all right in the
basket, and it is at your service, and I rejoice at your good
luck in not having lost it."

After congratulating the farmer for his skill and friendly
attention, I, of course, insisted upon his accepting some
remuneration.

" No," he said, '* I've told my friend Gardner that I
want nothing of that sort, but if, some day, you like to
take me to the upper regions "

'^ He is a stupid," cried a female, as she joined us in
the room, '^ and how can you be such a fool, Thomas, to
think of such a thing," said his better half, as she was
introduced by Mr. Gardner.

Thomas, however, vowed that he certainly would have
an aerial outing or " inning," some day, and I agreed
to gratify his wish whenever he might come, but, with a
significant look at the good lady, I made his wife's consent
a necessary part of the contract.

DEATH OF A FRENCH AERONAUT AT TOTTENHAM.

Although I have lived for thirty-seven years in the
neighbourhood of Tottenham, yet I was never called upon
but once to be a juryman at an inquest in this part of the
county, and my attendance on the occasion in question was
touching the death of Monsieur Le Tour, aged forty-nine,
who died from injuries, sustained in a parachute descent
which was made in the year 1854 on the marshes, very near
to the spot where the late M. L'Hoste and M. Mangot landed
after their famous trip from Cherbourg in the year 1886.

MX LIFE AND

^H Several ascents and many descents have from time to
^V time taken place at Tottenham — four by myself and one
^M by Mr. W. Barker and Mr. Sntton. The last I undertook
^P was on a great day of rejoicing on the day of the marriage
■ of His Eoyal Highneas the Prince of Wales.

Many men of learning and science have, in my recollec-
tion, Hved in this part of Middlesex. The celebrated Luke
I Howard, Meteorologist, for one, who gave to the cloada and
their modifications those descriptive names which have
been generally accepted; here, too, his benevolent and
religioas sons, John and Robert Howard, reaided-
were eminent chemists and scientific men ; a son of the
former is the present Joseph Howard, M.P,
The families of the Fowlers and the Forsters, including
the late Secretaiy for Ireland, are also well known there ;
and Alderman Sir Thomas Owden, when be was Lord
Mayor, bad bis mansion in this parish. Among medical
men of considerable ability ia Dr. W, Hall, who still
occupies the identical house in which Sir Aatley Cooper
formerly resided. Thus much for a digression.
Not being present at Cremorne Gardens when M. Le
Tour's parachute was attached to the balloon, I had no
opportunity of noticing its form or the preparations. I

I was at home in the garden, keeping a watch on the quick
ti'aveUing clouds aa they came from the Metropolia, bat I
rather felt that the balloon wonld ascend alone, as it
not a day at all suited for a parachute descent. On they
both came, however, rather earlier than I expected, and I
perceived that neither were in good trim ; they were driven
by the wind at a shai'p pace, and with the aid of my

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 15

father's old spy-glass, the same I lodked through, at nine
years of age, at Green's halloon, I saw that something was
amiss with the parachute. It seemed to hang awry, and
to haye no car like Gamerin's or Gocking's, but a cross
kind of seat, with wings above, which appeared most
perilous, and too unprotected for safety.

As some townsmen were looking up at the same moment,
I said : — " That thing will never surely be cut away on a
day like this."

It passed on about a mile to the south of our house, and
feeling sure that no attempt would be made at landing or
separating until a more open country, without numerous
houses, had been reached, I did not follow, having been
frequently disappointed as a youth in hunts of this sort ;
but no great length of time had elapsed before some one
came in with the sad particulars that a hasty descent had
been made, and that Mr. Adams, the balloonist, was all
right, but the Frenchman, whose parachute had not been
let go, was much injured by being dragged over the ground
and through the trees, so that it was necessary to convey
him to the Railway Tavern, Park Lane, where the poor
fellow was for ten days bed-ridden. His injuries were
internal and severe, but he retained his national vivacity in
the midst of his trouble and pain, fancying to the last that
he would go up again, and come down in his parachute
under more favourable circumstances.

I made it my business to see him daily, and to recipro-
cate a little of that attention which I had myself received
in foreign countries when ballooning. There was only one
friend (M. Franchet) from the land he had not long left

16 MY LIF£ AKD

^^B who came to see M. Le Tour, and I feel almoat ashamed

^^m to own tliat as regards Cremorne or iodeed the metropolia

^B itself, scarcely a seal came to see the French aeronaub

^M until I stirred up a few, through shame, to at least appear

H^ to take an interest in the poor fellow ; but he had a, polite

and sympathetic well-wisher in the person of M. Franchet,

who often visited my house after he had seen his fellow

conntryman, and I am happy to say that he had the best

of attention, but uot from some of those who ought bk

have looked after him.

Further particulars will be best gathered from a report
of the inquest, when I was one of the jury,

Oa July 11th, 1854, Mr. Baker, coroner for East
Middlesex, and a highly-respectable jury, assembled at the
Bailway Tavern, adjoining the Park Railway Station,
Tottenham, to inquire touching the death of Monsieur
Le Tour, a French aeronaut, who died from injuries
sustained on Tuesday week. The inquiry excited consider-
able interest, and a large Qumber of scientific gentlemeuj
including Messrs. Coxwell, Green, and Hampton, of
aeronautic fame, attended the investigation, Mr. Coxwell
was one of the jury, and Mr. E. M. Adams, Secretary t»
Mr. Simpson, the lessee of Cremorne Gardens, from which
the fatal ascent took place, attended to watch the proceed-
ings in the unavoidable absence of Mr. Simpson.

The parachute, which had heen left at the hotel for the
inspection of the jury, did not appear to have sustained
much damage. There were no particular marks of violence
apparent on the unfortunate gentleman's body.

William Henry Adams stated that he was aeronaut at

A^Tir: ■

.^x

1M - ^-'-^

BALLOON EXPEBIENOES. 17

Cremorne Gardens. On the 27th June, at about 7 o'clock
in the evening, deceased descended from the Gardens in his
parachute accompanied by witness in the balloon. Deceased
as he sat in the parachute, was enabled, by means of a
spring attached to a rope, to let himself off. The car of
the balloon was about eighty feet from where deceased sat.
M. le Tour, as he was fastened in his seat, moved by
means of his feet, two large wings, with which he professed
to be able to guide the machine. When the intended
dis-union was supposed to have taken place, witness asked
Mr. Spearman, an amateur, who was with him in the [car,
if the parachute had opened, as it ought to have done
immediately. Mr. Spearman replied, "No," upon which
witness looked over to see the cause, when he noticed that
the parachute, ropes and all, had become twisted up. As
the letting go of the parachute would have been instan-
taneous death to the deceased, witness determined on
making a final descent in order that deceased might be
released from his dangerous position. He considered,
upon reflection, that the dampness of the grass, upon which
the parachute had lain two hours before the [ ascent,
accounted for the twisting of the ropes, which were quite
new. It had not been arranged whether witness or
deceased should discharge the parachute, although upon
going up on a former occasion witness did so, and the
attempt was entirely successful. The descent continued
until reaching the meadows at Tottenham, where deceased
bumped several times against the ground, the grapnels of
the balloon not catching; and as they approached some
trees, witness endeavoured to escape coming into collision

18 MT LIFE AND

^^B with tbem by raising the balloon, but before it had ri

^^V sufficiently, it passed over the trees, dragging the parach

^V with great violence throngh the branchea. Having olightei

^M in the adjoining meadow, the grapnel caught in the stumpi

H of some trees. The parachute at that time lay at sonii

distance from the balloon. Deceased was then conveyed

the Eailway Tavern.

H^ By the Coroner : While deceased was being dragged

^B along the ground, the balloon was 125 feet above him,

^K Some boys endeavoured to catch hold of some of the ropea

^^ft as they passed along, but they had qnicldy to loose their

^H hold. Deceased was strapped to his seat, and witness

^^B considered he might, while dragging along the ground, have

^^1 loosened the straps and got out. He (witness) was a&aid'

^B to sever the parachute from the balloon, as dece-ased must

^^ have been then caught up ty the gi-apnels. The wings of

the machine, which were made of canvas, remained expanded

all the time from the ascent to the descent. Deceased wag

a free agent in the whole transaction, having given all tht

directions respecting the ascent. Witness had observed tQ

deceased, before ascending, that the new rope might b4

affected by the weather, but he replied that that was thf

French way of doing it. Since the parachute had arrivt

in this country, it had undergone many alterations undea

the superintendence of Mr. Simpson, who had it enlarged*

etc. Witness considered he only acted in the matter

agent of Mr. Simpson. A small model, together with

drawings of the parachute, were produced and explained by

Mr. Coxwell, who observed that the same principle had beea

adopted as used by Mr. Oreen in his ascent with ths

BALLOON EXPEBIENCE8. 19

xmfortnnate gentleman Cocking, and that it had been left
optional with the person in the parachute to let himself off.

Mr. Green in reply to a question from the Coroner, said
that if the ropes, instead of being twisted, had been braided,
the moisture would not have caused them to crinkle up as
they did, had that precaution been adopted, the accident
might not have happened.

The witness in conclusion said, the machine belonged to
deceased, and nothing was done without his consent. The
ropes were all new, since the machine came from Paris.
Mr. Simpson he understood, suggested the alterations to
make the machine larger. Nothing, with the exception of
the new lines, appeared mechanically wrong in the machine
On the first occasion the machine had been on a warm
platform, but in the last ascent it remained on the damp
grass some time. In both ascents the preparations were
made by the deceased.

Mr. George Marshall, of Tottenham, stated that he saw
the balloon descend as he was passing along a meadow. As
the balloon came towards witness, the man in the car
called out for the rope to be held. Deceased was then
dragging along the ground, entangled in the cords. The
balloon again ascended, passing over the trees and dragging
the parachute after it, when the machine passed witness,
deceased appeared to be calling out to those in the car to
cut away the parachute. When the balloon was secured,
witness went up and found deceased insensible in the para-
chute ; he was tightly strapped to the machine, and the
cords had to be cut before he was released. He was
bleeding from the forehead ; a little water having revived

I him, he spoke in French of his arm being injured. The

I parachute was dragging along the groand for- some distance,

1 mishap which seemed to cause the mischief, as upon hia

first descent the man was sensible, and called out to those

r in the car of the balloon.

Adams, in reply to a question by the foreman, said that
I be was afraid to sever the parachute from the balloon, as
I the gi'apnel irons would have beeen certain to have caught
1 up again.

. Marshall, iu continuation, said that while deceased
[ was dragging along the ground, the grapnel of the balloon
I was swinging in the air.

M. Henri Franchet stated that he resided in France, and
Cabinet Courier. He was acquainted vrith the
deceased, who was in his forty-ninth year. Witness wit-
nessed the ascent, which was a most favourable one. The
arrangement made between deceased and Adams was, that
the latter should let otF the parachute ; witness saw the
deceased frequently after the accident, when he told him
that he should not have been injured had Adams let him
down before the grapnel touched the ground. Deceased
suffered from paralysis of the neck, which prevented his
looking upwards. The ascent was made with the two-fold
I object of scientific experience and pecuniary gain. Deceased
rhad made nmneroua ascents in France, three of which
fwere before the Emperor and Empress, and hia machine
was patented.

Mr. J. B. Hicks, surgeon, stated that he attended
deceased about a quarter of an hour after the accident.
He was snfiering from a paralysis of the lower extremities

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 21

and the left arm ; his spine was evidently injured ; three
ribs were also fractured. His case was hopeless, and he
gradually sank and died.

Mr. E. M. Adams, secretary to the Gardens, in explana-
tion, said that before ascending, deceased expressed himself
perfectly satisfied with all the arrangements. Mr. Simpson
asked him to allow a French gentleman, as on a former
occasion, to accompany him in the car of the balloon, as
he could not speak English, but he refused to assent.

After some further evidence had been given, the coroner
very minutely summed up, commenting feelingly on the
manner in which persons recklessly risked their lives for
some paltry lucre, and he remarked that it was high time
the legislature interposed in putting a stop to such
dangerous speculations.

The jury, after a brief deliberation, returned a verdict
of " accidental death."

PROFESSOR BALDWIN THE PARACHUTIST.

Not three miles from Tottenham, where Le Tour died.
Professor Baldwin, the most expert and successful aspirant
in this branch of aerostation, appeared in his best form at
the Alexandra Palace on Bank Holiday, August 6th, 1888,
and there created a great sensation by his so-called drop
from the clouds, which, in reality^ was a daring parachute
descent from a low altitude, but as this fact increased the
risk, while it gratified the spectators, a decided "hit" was
made (as the caterers for the public say), especially as the
balloon is generally made to dart up and descend about
the same time, or soon after, the parachute, and this
variation proves a novelty, as does the quick return and re-

MY LirE AND

Bfi2

^K apjiearance of Baldwin on the platform. The seDBational
^B way in whiuh the three acts of tiie perfonaance are
^t executed, and the original ai]noimci3ments of A Jump
H frotn a Balloon, have no doul)t a gi'eat deal to do with the
B pecuniary success of the undertaking.

On the day of his beneht I had a chat, for the first time,
with this dauntless American, and found him a modest
&nd unassuming man, and there cau be but one opinion as
to his having extraordinary nerve. I did not obaerve in
his parachute any indications of the umbrella form such
BB Mr. Hampton adopted in the year 1838-9, soon after
Cocking's death. Mr. Hampton descended three times
successfully; Le Tour made a similai- number of descents;
Garnerin, the first parachutist in England, in the year
1802 came down safely. Garuerin's daughter ia said to

I have come down thirty-nine times in France and other
places, Madame Poitvein also descended here.
Many persons who fail to read the latest books on
l>alloouing, imagine that dropping in a parachute is qoite
ft new exploit. I have always contended, like Green, that
tile balloon can be made the best kind of parachute. Mr.
Qlaisher and I descended at Newhaven in this style, two
miles in four minutes, after letting nearly all the gas out ;
and in that most terrific of all recorded di-ops, when
Albert Smith and myself being iu the car of Mr. Gypson's
balloon, in the year 1847, we ascended from Vauxhall
Gardens, I was the means of turning the balloon into a
parachute, which saved om- lives.

Professor Baldwin has made, up to the time I am writing,
nineteen descents, and is pre-eminently smart and fortunate.

..*-•''

■J I- ^^

.^*

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 23

CHAPTER 11.

T being impossible for me, in this second part of my
life, to do more than select a few out of the hundreds
of trips I have made, it is impracticable to avoid a
certain amount of desultoriness, owing to the hap-hazard
selection of the most interesting experiences I have under-
gone.

One of the counties I visited, in 1857, was Devonshire.

I left North Woolwich about eleven o'clock at night,
and got into Tavistock soon after daylight next morning.
When it is considered that the distance is nearly 250 miles,
it may, perhaps, be surmised that I was fortunate in
catching an express train, but in those days " flying
Dutchmen " were not invented, and even now, while
wonders of travelling are of an every day occurrence, there
is a limit to the power of steam. As a matter of fact,
however, I travelled through the air by balloon, and the
duration of the aerial voyage being so very much in excess
of the customary trips in balloons, I will narrate the ex-
perience which aflforded me and my fellow travellers

A NIGHT AND MORNING SURVEY OF SEVEN COUNTIES.

It was on the 15th of June, in the year 1857, that I
was engaged to ascend from the Pavilion Gardens, North
Woolwich, but, as wind and weather did not favour the

,, S4 MY LIFE ADD

^^m undertaking, a poBtponement was talked of, especially as

^^1 the inflation bad to be managed a mile away from the

^V Gardens, cloBe to a new and capacious gas bolder. In the

^P river Thames, which was only a few hundred yards distant,

^ the water was very rough, spray dashing over close-reefed

vessels as they sailed down Woolwich Reach, while the

smoke emitted from the Arsenal and Dockyard chimneys,

formed long inky streams, more inclined to go down than

up ; small boats did not dare to venture across the river,

for the angiy wind swept over the marshes and seemed to

roar forth a note of WHruiag. It was no fit occasion, to

expose a hiilloon, distended with gas, to the full fury of

the gale, with the risk that it would be blown into ribbons

before it could pass over the trees which formed the

boQndary of the Gardens.

This being the kind of day, I resolved to await the turn
of the tide, and be ready to avail myself of a lull ; no
matter how late the ascent, it would never do to disappoint
the visitors in toto.

Sure enough, at 7 p.m., a chance presented itself, anct
the word was soon passed, all being previously in readiness,
" to turn on " the gas. The filling ocuupied only an hooT'
and-a-half, but when inflated the machine was nearly un-
manageable, and it was no easy task to let it up gradually
with ropes so us to escape the trees, and had not an
encampment of gipsies outside the gardens rendered
assistance, the breeze which still blew hard would have,
been too much for us.

Once within the sheltered haven where all was mada
snug, our anxiety as to the possibility of ascending was

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 25

allayed, and before it grew quite dark we were at anchor in
the enclosure, while a display of fireworks was quickly
improvised, and it was announced that it was to be a night
ascent; so at 11.80 p.m. Mr. Henry Youens and Mr. J,
Allan joined me in the car, and in the midst of a royal
salute away we bounded, cheers, fireworks, and good wishes
greeting us and blending as we shot across the river, when
the lights of Greenwich were soon under us, and ahead,
was all London in a blaze of gas light. Passing over
Kennington Oval, Vauxhall Bridge, and Battersea, we next
heard a Scotch polka being played in Cremorne Gardens.

It was barely a few minutes later when Richmond was
descried, and as the upper breeze remained fresh, we held
consultation as to whether we should go down or keep up
until daylight broke ; I pointed out the risk of the former
alternative, and for my own part, I was glad that my com-
panions agreed to go on, as a landing in the dark is not
one of the delights of ballooning.

During the darkest part of our travel we heard the mid-
night hour strike, and this induced us to look about and
make sure that we had not reached some sea-port ; as, if it
were so, the bells might be the last we should hear, for if once
we were blown towards the sea, the broad Atlantic was in
front, a fact which made us search diligently for land marks.

Although we could detect scattered lights on the sombre
landscape, still we were not at all sure as to our distance
from the coast.

" Listen," I cried, " I heard surely the crying of sea-
bh-ds."

A pause ensued, while we noticed lights looming unde?

, 36

^^B the haze, which at times resembled water, and a tail like
^^1 that of a comet was to be discerned ; beyoud was a black
^V patch of considerable size, but the colour outside of it was
^1 of a hghter tinge.

^^ " That is the Isle of Wight iu the distance," I explained,

^1 " and the tail is the water from Southampton ; we have
^P passed it now, and are wearing more south. Can you see
to read the Aneroid, Youeua ? "

" Impossible, too dark for that."

" Throw out paper then, and note whether it goes up or

tdown, we are over seventy miles from London already. I
would rather not open the yalve unless we are compelled
to land."

Pieces of hght tissue paper were found to be rising
apwards, a certain sign that we were sinkiag, which would
have been noticed sooner, had we been able to read the
barometer.

We had no Davy lamp, and very httle to refresh onr-
selves with, as this was not a premeditated journey, bo that
we were unprepared for a chapter of accideuta.

It was most advisable then not to cease peering about
nntil we could obtain more exact evidence as to the
probable distance of the coast line. We were evidently
wearing in a more southerly direction than we expected.

At one time we were hoping that the balloon would
stand in more towards Bristol, but now that we seemed to
be leading away lower down, it would never do to rest ontil
more clearly defined marks presented themselves ae to the
distinction between land and water.

As the balloon had beou slowly descending for some

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 27

time, we had to avoid a close contact with the earth, and
very careful " jockeyship " was requisite not to touch land
with an unexpected bump. There was no trail rope in
the car to relieve us of a certain amount of weight, but
we managed exceedingly well. The hedge-rows and field
boundaries were immensely serviceable.

" Look out there, pay away Allan, let her have it ; don't
you see that wind-mill ? Out with more ballast Youens.
I have myself a large bag in reserve. Steady, she ia
more than a couple of hundred feet above the shafts^
My word, and don't they go round sharp ? "

Fortunately both my friends though amateur aeronauts
were cool and experienced, indeed Mr. Youens has since
that event taken to the " profession," while poor Allan
has gone over to the majority.

Events were becoming somewhat alarming, but an
upward tendency was imparted to the balloon by a free
discharge of sand, and as there was now a gleam of light
in the eastward, we made the most of it, and could see
a difference in the colour of what met the eye further
south. This we took to be the water which was cer-
tainly too close to be reassuring, but we were scudding
along just then in a line almost parallel with the darker
coast ridge ; still a spice of uncertainty surrounded our
movements, and pleased enough we were as more light
broke upon the scene, for we had been getting nearer to
the water while drifting over habitable places in which no
one seemed to be astir. The feathered tribe had already
set an example as to early rising ; listen ! don't you
hear —

MY LIFE AND

" Tho lark
Shrill Yoid'd uid iood, the messenger of mom,
Ere jet the shsdovs Bj he moimtod smga
Amid the dawning clouds, imd from their hamita
CoUb np the timefnl CBtioQS."

And is it possible that wo heard so distinctly what
passed below ?

Tea, at our elevation we did, as we were not more than
1,700 feet high.

We bad passed Dorchester, and were mounting up for
another curve, but bad to check the soaring tendency of
tbe balloon, for on crossing the river Exe, we were not
so very far from Sidmouth and Torbay.

On the silvery river with Exeter on our right, a small
saiHng craft was seen.

" Boat ahoy ! How's our course ? "

" You wiU have Plymouth on your port bow,"

Waving oui acknowledgments, we began to pass over the
nplands, and allowed the balloon to rise as the land jutted
out seawards, and we were going over a vast mass of
uncultivated laud, amidst which we recognized Dartmoor,
-and tbe prison ; here, as our aueroid could now be read, we
found that we had risen to an elevation of over 8,000 feet.

We could see the Bristol Channel and the narrowing
land. At the next dip, after clearing the moorland, we
resolved to alight, and found a favourable spot within a
mile and a half of Tavistock. The grapnel caught in
a tree close to a farm bouse, but a solitary workman
seemed so scared with the coinct — as he considered it, there
being one due — that he fled behind a hedge when we called
npon him to bold on.

BALLOON EXPEBIENCES. 29

Mr. Yonens alighted and went after him to know our
whereabouts and brought him in by main force, more
than persuasion, as the looked for comet, and its supposed
arrival, had taken a large share of the man's physical
power out of him. He got slightly better when we
explained what it really was, and he agreed to go to
Tavistock for a conveyance after he had seen the colour
of our cash and taken some of it with him to prove that
it was not counterfeit coin.

When he started, the gas was let off, and the balloon
was allowed to dry in a flat state on the greensward.

The messenger, on returning with a van, as he looked
above the ground, and not on it, could see no balloon,
and he bethought himself that the powers of darkness
were holding their revels, but he was soon undeceived
and lent us a hand in packing up and getting into the
town.

The shops were not open, but we knocked the people up
at the Bedford Hotel. The landlord, Mr. Northway,
hardly liked the look of us, and when he was informed
that we left North Woolwich at 11.30, about five hours
previously, he shook his head with an amount of doubt
which was increased after we ordered breakfast.

" I shall have to trouble you, gentlemen, for the cash
in advance," said a young person who had probably been
roused up before her regular time.

The suspicion created by our early and unusual visit
was not easily allayed ; during the time we were enjoying
a substantial meal with plenty of clotted cream on the
table, the hotel became crowded with the Tavistock people.

MY LIFE AND

(md we were asked, on going below, if we could offi
any decided proof of having ascended irom the spot i
named.

Mr. Allan pulled ont the return half of a railway tickd '
from Bishopsgate Station to North Woolwich, on it i
the 15th of June, " And you know," he said, " we havt
not long entered npon the 16th."

' That ticket," he added, "I took yesterday aftemooi
without knowing that I should accompany Mr. CoxweU
ninch less that I should be down here."

This had the desired effect and we were pressed to stay,
but we got on to Pl>Tnouth as quickly as possible, and sent
off a telegram (the invention was then in vogue), so that
the next issue of The Times had in it an account of o
doingB and the public learned that vie bad not, as wai
supposed, "perished in the sea."

THE DERBY AUBORETTJM FESTB'AL

was the next affair I had in hand, and as this great
anniversary in the midlands came off a few days after t
voyage into Devonshire, I had enongh to do to get dows
in time.

Splendid weather attracted an immense assemblage of
visitors, who came by rail and road from Birmingham,.
ShefBeld, Chesterfield, Lincoln, Newark, Nottingham,
Leicester, Loughborough, and intermediate stations.
Altogether about 30,000 persons assembled. The mnsical
attractions were great.

Fortunately Colonel Bentinck, of the 7th Princess
Royal Dragoons, having jast arrived at ShefBeld, pet-
mission was given to the splendid baud of this regiment

BALLOON EXPEBIENCES. 81

•to attend. Nicholson's fall band from Leicester, including
rtixe principal soloists of His Grace the Duke of Butland's,
JKud the Yeomanry bands and the fine band of the 1st King's
[• Own Staflford Militia were present, also the drum and flute
band of the 1st Derby Militia, and the band of the
Midland Railway Company; then there were glee singers,
under the direction of Mr. Farmer of Nottingham, who
helped to gratify the listening throng. Two Russian
cannon presented and inaugurated at the Arboretum
grounds were likewise objects of much attraction. I had
provided, besides the balloon, some aerostatic novelties,
including a parachute descent, balloon races, and a
gigantic figure of a man, the latter furnishing much
amusement to the juveniles, and a fund of merriment,
tempered with fright to some of them, when he dropped
down and stepped across the fields with giant strides before
he was captured.

I had with me, when the great ascent took place, only
one passenger, viz., Mr. Foster, of Derby. Another very
corpulent gentleman ofiered himself, and suggested also
that he should be thrown out as ballast in case he was too
heavy.

The descent was made in Chaddesden Park, the seat of
Sir H. S. Wilmot, Bart.

CAUGHT IN A THUNDERSTORM.

On a second ascent from Chesterfield, when Mr. P.
Goodwin, of Macclesfield, and Mr. E. Turner, of Sheffield,
accompanied me, we were carried into the midst of the
gathering clouds, which began to flash vividly, and in the
end culminated in a storm.

82 MY LIFE AND

There were indications before we left the earth as to
what might be expected ; the lower breeze took us in
another direction as we rose, but a gentle whirling current
higher up got us into the vortex of the highly charged
clouds.

These are situations which put one's theoretical notions
most severely to the test. And assuredly this was the
case, as we had to prove by absolute experience whether
the balloon was insulated and a non-conductor.

An unexpected flash of lightning, followed by others,
with thunder claps all round you, does not fail to enforce
the lesson that "discretion is the better part of valour."
Nor were we at variance in coming to this decision as it
grew darker and came on to rain. What with the pattering
of huge drops on the top of our canopy and the dazzling
flashes that followed, we availed ourselves of a good
opportunity to get out of it by landing at Ashover, after
being up about three quarters of an hour.

A thorough drenching while emptying the balloon was a
natural consequence, but, as may be supposed, we took
this in good part, rejoicing that it was no worse.

SHEFFIELD AND LEEDS.

After several exhibitions of my balloon signalling at the
Newhall Gardens at Sheffield, and numerous ascents, I
went again to the Headingly Gardens at Leeds, Mr. Thomas
Clapham, the lessee, being a most enterprising man. We
had, in addition to the ascent. Lord Cardigan's charger on
view — not in my charge aloft, be it clearly understood, but
under the care of Corporal Rigby, who seemed proud to
parade this fine, spirited chestnut horse, and to explain that

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 88

it was the one his lordship rode at the memorable Balaklava
Charge, where the corporal was also present himself.

To keep faith with my engagements at Sir Thomas
Maryon Wilson's seat, I next was called upon to hasten
south, as there was to be a fete champetre at Charlton
House, near Woolwich, in aid of the Boyal Kent
Dispensary.

Here I was kindly received by the late Sir Thomas
Maryon Wilson and the late Mr. Carttar, Coroner for East
Kent, who ofiSciated as Secretary, and who had himself
been up with Green, and took a great interest in aerostation,
as did his son, the present coroner, who was then quite a
young man.

There was nothing very remarkable about the ascent,
beyond its having taken place under difficulties, as many
hundreds of yards of gas piping had to be brought into
the park from a main in the high road, which involved
great expense and trouble. The fete was in every respect
a success.

Away north was the next movement made, but I cannot
attempt to allude to more . than a very few of the under-
takings with which I was connected. I well remember
that I had an urgent request to get back home with all
speed, as I was wanted for the

* EXPLORATION OF AUSTRALIA WITH BALLOONS.

The Times had published an article on this proposal,
not in reference to me personally, but to the subject, and
Mr. George Coppin, the Australian manager, had arrived in
London with his head full of ballooning among other things.

S4 MY LIFE AND

^M Before returning to Melbourne by the Overland Eoate

^1 he had given proof of the interest be took, not ool; in the
H drama at home and abroad, but in all kinds of scientific
H novelty.

He had started the Cremorne Gardene at Melbourne,
and he aspired to display his energy by taking me out with
him regardless of cost, as he said, to initiate antipodean
experimenls, preparatory to fostering the idea of aerial
exploration.

[ had engagements at the time which prevented me
from accepting his offer " to stand not," as be put it,
"npon the order of — leaving the old country^ — ^but to go at
once."

Thia was enei^etic and persuasive, but I could not see
my way to start, I agreed, however, to build a new
I balloon, and to supply another, as well as an assistant
I aeronaut.

This gentleman, Mr. C. Brown, went out and made a
number of successful ascents, but the exploring expedition
was never brought to a practical issue, nor, by the way, do
I believe that it was ever gravely attempted.

After visiting Nottingham, Leicester, and several other
towns, I went to Hull, and was there identified with a
novel kind of gala at the Zoological Gardens of that town,
which was alluded to in the local and London newspapers
in a jocose strain. There were in attendance

500 VENERiBLE VISITORS,

all of the tender sex, and none of them were leas than
three-score years of age ; they enjoyed a liberal tea,
provided by Messrs. Wolfenden and Melbourne, the thea

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 85

proprietors of the Queen's Theatre (now long since dead) ;
I was persuaded, and there is no harm in mentioning it, to
be present in the dancing-room at what was styled a
preliminary spin among many of these active old souls.

"I should like to go up with you," said one, "but I
suppose there's no chance ; anyhow I'll have you on the
* light fantastic toe,' and catching me by the arm, I was
led forth captive, and had to assume a gallantry which
amused these elderly ladies, who afterwards surrounded me
in the inner circle where they were prominently placed
some time before the ascent.

The 6lite of Hull were present, and appeared, to be
delighted by so many happy, and well behaved visitors
from a humble station in life.

Later in the evening, more dancing was indulged in,
and many young couples were put to shame by the elastic
movements of the elderly ladies. This last saltatory
display was after the dear old souls had taken tea,
but whether the smallest possible quantity of anything
qualifying had been placed at the disposal of those who
were not strictly abstainers, I cannot say ; I recollect
hearing that one or two, after partaking of the " cup that
cheers," did bound and curvet about with amazing agility,
but no sensible person thought the worse of them for this
vivacious outbreak of animal spirits. Of course, the bulk
of them were long past enjoying a lively skip at a public
garden treat, and for aught we know it was the last chance
and flutter of the few who availed themselves of making
the most of time present.

Mr. Melbourne and Mr. Huby ascended with me, but

US IJFE AND

ft S6

^^M SB bad luck would have it, one or other of them haying
^^P had an order to put out sand, did so lather too suddenly,
^r and the ladies received the contents of a bag when they were
^R least prepared for such a compliment.

It eame on hazy after we left, and for a while we were
ignorant whether our courss was up or down the Humber,
whether, in fact, we were bound for sea or were going
inland. As it happened, we pulled up near the river bank
in a fog that came on.

"No doubt you could see the broad water just in front
of you," said a fisherman on the aea wall.

I dechned myself to reply, as we were not, in truth,
aware of our position, we could scarcely see the trailing
of the grapnel, but ignorance of that circumstance being
bhss to us, I kept a still tongue, and, as the voyagera
were intent upon retui'ning, as quickly aa they could, to
then- old ladies, I esciiped the ordeal of being further
questioned, so that we, one and all, consoled ourselves
with the capital saying of old — "Ail's well that ends
well."

ASCENT BEFORE THE QUEEN AND PRINCE COKSOBT.

Another anecdote of this heterogeneous mixture of mere
chat about ballooning must be introduced even at the risk
of incurring the displeasure of the savants, who will
exclaim, "But all this is not purely scientific." "No,"
I answer, " nor did I ever promise or attempt to provide
a treatise of that description ; " I shall have, however, by
gradual strides to become more sedate and philosophical.
Meanwhile we will revel in the unscientific, and speak of
Jioyalty.

BALLOON EXPEBIENCES. 87

I have alluded sparingly to this part of my experiences,
but it has been my lot to look down upon many crowned
heads, as well as to have looked up to them, the moment I
re-stepped upon this planet, after so often getting away
from it.

It is to an exceptional incident connected with the Royal
progress through Warwickshire, that I now refer, and
at this point it may be as well to notice that there are
some who like a near view of Royalty, and who feel that
the housetop is rather too far off for feasting the eye
upon Royal lineaments. On the other hand, there are
persons who prefer a bird's-eye view, to a good close stare.

I will leave undecided this question. At any rate
having built a new balloon, and being invited to attend
at the Jephson Gardens, Leamington, I did so, hoping
that the procession could be seen in detail, so as to take
it in at first from a limited altitude when held by a
rope, and afterwards in one grand coup d'ceil or panoramic
view.

As Her Majesty and the late Prince Consort approached,
the balloon '* Queen," with the name in letters five feet
deep, rose from the lawn near the high road.

At once this imposing feature received the marked
attention of the Royal party, and of the whole gazing
multitude. Her Majesty graciously bowed recognition,
and pleased enough was I to be able to get aloft in time,
as the last section of the balloon had been joined in a
surprisingly short space of time, and I could give only
one coat of varnish to it, so that it was not altogether gas
tight, as the sequel of the great day's doings will show.

MT LIFE AND

On the disappearance of the proceeaion, the inflation,
which had not been completed, proceeded, until 34,000
cubic feet of gas, supplied from the Leamington Works,
had entered.

It wfta intended, during the afternoon, to repeat the

partial ascents, but a storm came on, and so greatly

increased the weight of the balloon with heavy rain, that

it was with difficulty that the linal ascent took place, and

had it not been for my determination to run a great personal

risk, failure must have been the result.

^L The Parish Chnrch happened to stand in direct line

^B with the course which my balloon was certain to pnrsae,

^H, and it was not very far away. Heavy rain had so aoddened

^H the thinly varnished fabric, that, on testing the power, I

^H found that I slioald have to go alone, and without ballast

^B or anchor.

^B As there was no time to lose, and mattera were not
^B improving, I cast loose, and was all ready to duck low in
^B the car iii case of a colUsion, which took place just as I had
^H raised my bead above the rim of the wicker protection.
^H For a moment every spectator looked on with alarm,
^H and many shrieked, as the balloon rebounded and again
^H closed with the spire, and scraped up towards the top,
^H where, only a few days previously, had stood a large
^^B weather-cock, which, fortunately for me, had not long -
^H been taken down for re-gilding.

^H Having waved my cap as a signal that I considered,
^H after a hasty inspection, that there was no rent, I had a
^V deafening cheer.
H^ The "Queen" now rose splendidly, as if destined to

BALLOON EXPEBIENCES. 89

surmount every obstruction; but high up, the lightning
flashed and the thunder rolled, still the balloon passed
on unhurt, and I was able to make a safe landing near
Chesterton windmill ; but, owing to the want of ballast,
and the absence of a grapnel, I had a rough, dragging
landing, and for a time could get no assistance.

At the nearest farm house I found that everybody of much
consequence had gone to see the real Queen, and the
procession, so that my Queen, after descending from her
aerial throne, had no admirers, save a party of gipsies ; these
however, though of equivocal appearance, proceeded to get
one of their small traps, though it was barely strong enough
to carry the balloon, which weighed at least four cwt.

" You are a long way from the high road," said the
chief spokesman, who had a horrid cast in one eye, and a
nasty glare in the other.

" Well, go and fetch whatever you have," I said.

I was not sorry to be left alone for a short time, as it
suddenly came to my recollection that I had more money
about me than I considered it safe to carry in such company
as that amongst which I had been thrown.

I had just time to put a cheque and some gold in a sand
bag and tuck it safely down beneath the compact folds of
the balloon. In my waistcoat pocket I discreetly placed
half-a-crown, which done, I detached the liberating trigger
from the hoop and located this formidable piece of iron
mechanism in my coat pocket, then I concealed from view
my knife with a long blade ; while these operations were in
progress, three gipsies came back with a grey pony and a
rattle-trap affair, which had to go over muddy ruts and up

40 1£Y LIFE AND

a conntry lane, and while we were in this lonely part, the
trio came much nearer to me than I cared about, end spoke
about terms.

" What is a fair charge ? '* I asked,

" Well, fifteen shillings won't hurt you," was the reply.

"If I had that amount about me," I said, " you should
have it, but the moment you get me ba^k to the Gardens
at Leamington, you shall have that, and somethiug besides.
The truth is, I came away in a hurry, as a atorm was
imminent. Look here," I continued, " I Lave half-a-
erown, which we will spend on the road, and I guarantee
you a good supper, and one of Her Majesty's golden coins
to the tune of a sovereign, when I see the manager of the
gardens."

When once we got ont of that long lane and trod on the
high road, I felt that danger had decreased.

At last we sighted a roadside house, and there I sent
them in to change the half-crown, and get what they hked
while I looked to the pony and my luggage.

"Yon had better drink with us," they said, and as all
three waited at the door, I thought it expedient to do so.

They handed back some change, a considerate act for
which I was hardly prepared; "perhaps," I thought, "I
am doing these queer looking people a great injustice;" and
when we arrived, I had reason to know that this was the case.
However, my ballast bag was withdrawn from its place
of safety without their percfiiving me in an act of which I
felt ashamed, and my ungenerous suspicions were followed
by the good supper and payment I had agreed to make
after the balloon had been deposited in safety.

BALLOON EXPEBIENCES. 41

CHAPTEK III.

INTERESTING TRIP FBOM OHESTEB.

HE spot from which I started was a paddock at
Gray Friars, and I was accompanied by Herr A.
Vogel of Berlin, Mr. G. Haswell of Chester, "and
Mr. J. B. Marsh.

Exactly at twenty minutes to eight we were

" In happy freedom, pleased to feel the wind,
And wander in the luxury of air.'*

The view of the city was very fine, and the passengers
were called upon to note several difi'erent scenes, all of
which were interesting. We appeared to have scarcely
risen above the houses, before, like a picture, the Eoodee,
with its white tents, the walls thronged with people, the
castle with a crowd in front of the grand entrance, the
beautiful tent in the Linen Hall, the New Bridge, Curzon
Park, the Old Bridge, Causeway, and the Circus Tent near
St. John's Churchyard, all lay spread before the eye.

The appearance of the streets was droll ; the houses
looked as though the roofs had been cut oJBf and stuck upon
the ground, nothing could be seen of them except the slates
and chimneys. St. Peter's Church, the Cathedral, St.
John's, and other churches appeared very much diminished
in height.

42 MY LIFE AND

We ascended rapidly from the moment of starting, the
wind blowing from the W.S.W., and in three minutes
the '' Queen " attained an altitude of 8,000 feet, the hum
of the noisy city was then altogether lost, and as we
passed over the railway station, the town of Chester faded
in the distance.

Having produced several bottles of ginger-beer, I gave a
toast, " The * Queen,' may we ever be loyal in our hearts,
for though above her subjects and her laws, we are still
under her protection and guidance."

The toast was drunk with the customary honours.

In the perspective now gazed upon and much enjoyed, it
was more difficult for my companions to identify the places
immediately beneath us, than those several miles distant.

The Cheshire, Derbyshire, Denbighshire, and Flintshire
hills appeared to be diminished in size, and a mountain on
our extreme left, which seemed to overhang the Irish
Channel was readily seen to be Snowdon — the monarch
of Wales.

A more glorious sunset I never witnessed ; the sky was
flecked with golden and purple bars, which intermingling

" came blushing o'er the sea,"

and catching the tops of the silent mountains, were
reflected in the clear sky, to be again mirrored in the Dee
and Mersey. Far out beyond Liverpool, the same glowing
light glistened upon the sails of vessels which would other-
wise have been invisible, making them seem as though
they were so many beams of sunshine standing like arrows
in the water.

Suddenly the sun became obscured, the gas in the

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 4S

balloon was condensed, we were then close npon Helsby
Hilly and ballast was cast ont, that we might see what
land lay beyond.

Looking to the right, we saw Beeston Castle, rising
like a hmnp out of the beautifol '' Yale Boyal."

In front the forest of Delamere was seen in the deepening
twilight. The canal looked like a silver eel as it wound
its way through the fields and amongst the trees.

With regret I lowered the grapnel to aid us in
the descent, which was made in a field belonging to
Mr. William Nixon of Alvanley.

The bewildered but delighted country people assisted
in packing up, and one man remarked, ** Oive never seen
sich a string of fokes sin there was bull baiting at
Acton."

Although I had sold my war balloon to Mr. Coppin for
Australian service, I still clung to my earliest idea of
signals for military objects.

It so happened, however, that this Chester ascent, led
Die into a train of thought which afterwards ended in a
discussion about vertical and long range sight-seeing as
applicable to warfare.

At this time (1858) the English Government and
British oflScers generally regarded the balloon-and-signal
theory as wild, preposterous, and impracticable ; it might
do very well as an exhibition, but the idea of parading
such things among the ranks of an English army ! — and
yet it has been paraded, if I may emphasize that word, by
the course of subsequent events : however, I do not
propose to record an individual opinion about the latest

44 BTY LIFE AND

^M experimenta in the army, but merely to jot down the
^^L conversation of three persons as they discussed the matter
^H thirty years ago.

^H DIBCUBSION ABOUT WAB BAIXOONB.

^^m Mr. A. — I heard this laorning from one of yonr com-
^H panions of yesterday, that when you looked over Helaby
^F Hill to note what was on the other side, you said, " What
a sight for a general or an engineer officer."

Mr. B. — That was to see what was out of sight, I'll be
bound.

Mr. C. — Rather to know what could not be ascertained
without the help of a balloon, the value of which I was
thinking about at the moment of my exclamation — of course
I mean in a military point of view, and what advantages
might accrue if my proposals should be adopted.

Mr. A. — What have yoa snggested?

Mr. C— To employ balloons in the English army for
reconnoitering, signalling, and, under proper supervision,
for destructive purposes.

Mr. B.~My word ! that last is a peppery notion, bat,
excuse me, might you not have to take something hot
yourself, a few ounces of lead for instance ?

Mr. C. — My plan for dropping sheila could be managed
without anyone being in the balloon. A bird's-eye view
could be obtained, for all practical purposes, a mile or
two from the front ; had you been up with us yesterday,
you would have been astonished how far we could see
vrith the naked eye. Of course, good glasses would assist
to bring the enemy closer.

Mr. B. — Personally, I should prefer keeping at a

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 45

respectful distance ; and then, how about the long range
and these new rifles; only fancy bullets as thick as duck
shot flying about.

Mr. A. — That danger has been disposed of, Mr, B.
The way to avoid that would be

Mr. B. — ^By judicious retirement, I should say.

Mr. C. — The preservation of the balloon would be of
primary consideration.

Mr. B. — ^And the preservation of those in the watch
tower only secondary, I suppose ?

Mr. A. — Eeally Mr. B. you are too incisive by half.

Mr. C. — ^Not at all ; the way your friend puts it affords
scope for explanation. As to risk, one can never be so
free from it in warfare as Mr. B. for instance, might
desire, and as military science progresses, dangers will not
probably diminish.

Mr, B. — Don't mention them, it is bad enough to be
shot on the solid earth, but to be brought down like a bird
after doing double duty !

Mr, A. — ^What do you mean ?

Mr, B. — ^Mean ! why by acting as a soldier and a sailor
as well, by being on duty below and up in a balloon besides.
I should expect double pay for that game.

Mr. A. — But the aeronaut does not consider that it
would be desirable for officers or their men to go up.

Mr. C. — If it comes to anything, I feel sure that there
will be no lack of aspirants in that way.

Mr. B. — My idea is, that many will funk it. Why,
balloon-men must be born such, like poets, and cannot be

made to order.

46 MY LIFE AHD

Mr. A, — How (to yon know, Mr, B. ?

Mr. B. — Well, I offer an opinion that's all, if I am
wrong Mr. C. will soon put me right.

Mr. C. — You infer, I presume, that to make competeat
ballooniBts, time and proper inBtmction are requisite,
especially as regards experts.

Mr. B.- — I mean, dear Sir, that eyen these combined
will not always turn out an able pupil in your line, uulesa
a man has hia bead, bo to speak, screwed on specinlly for
ballooning, which, to my way of thinking, is work for
which very few are fit.

Mr. A. — Do, my good fellow, keep your private opiniona
to yourself ; you are Boaring a bit up Mr. B. ; why don'
you come to the point and ask a question which
me the most vital of any yet propounded ?

Mr. 6'.— What, pray, is that?

Mr. B. — Ha ! there yoa are ; and where are
friend A. ?

Mr. A. — Well, I'm not off the ground, but should be
glad to know how a balloon can be sent np without gas.

Mr. C. — It can thongh. The first balloon was raised by-
heated or expanded air. The second kind of balloon by
hydrogen gas, which is much lighter than coal gas.

Mr. B.—Ani costs more, besides probably being difficolfr
to obtain when wanted.

Mr. A. — You speak like a practical man now, Mr. B,

Mr. C. — I endorse that compliment, and beg to aH-
that rarified air balloons can be sent up anywhere under
favourable atmospheric conditions.

The French used balloons, as you know, during the

■oa

BALLOON EXPEBIENOES. 47

Eevolutionary War, and they were filled with hydrogen.
I hold that it is possible to convey any gas in india-rubber
tags of an elongated form, and the day may arrive when it
can be moved about in a much smaller compass, just as a
chamber of an air-gun contains air that has been pumped
into a small space. But we know enough already to start
with, and the English have a precedent to go by, viz.,
actual performance by the French ; at any rate, it is what
I have for some years pressed upon the attention of the
authorities, but whether we shall ever adopt it at home or
abroad I cannot say ; but if the French or other nations
revive the experiment, we are bound to follow.

Mr, B. — ^Yes, and more the shame that we do not lead ;
there is plenty of originality in this country, if you can
catch the eye and get the ear of those who govern us.

Mr, A. — But, my dear Mr. B., what is the use, if they
shut the one and close up the other ?

Mr. C. — We must not be altogether discouraged ; time
works wonders.

BALLOONS AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE.

First ascent in the year 1869.

My balloon " Queen " having made her mark in the
Provinces after the approving eyes of Royalty had looked
^pon her, was now sought after to assist in inaugurating
hallooning at the Palace Grounds.

I had been asked for some time to do what I could in
^his way, and to make inquiry as to the facilities for an
Nation ; fortunately a friend of mine, Mr. Magnus Ohren,
Secretary of the Gas Works at Sydenham, took a lively
^terest in the proposal, and was well qualified in this i

MY LIFE AND

respect, as be had officiated, and Bimplified matters
Hambui'g, when I took up Prince Panl Eaterhazy. I
assistance materially simplified this fresh attempt, in vta
there were cei'taiu difficulties to surmount, and ai
unavoidable espensea to be incurred on the pari of 1
General Manager of the Crystal Palace ; it was just he
as may be supposed, where the Directors hung fire.

Meanwhile, the refresliment caterer, who was about
have a benefit, thought he would try an ascent with
smaller balloon, borrowed from Ciemorne Gardens.

Mr. Lythgoe, the aeronaut, was sent to try what coi
be done by using such pipes of small dimensions as w
already laid down, and he succeeded in making an asoo
so that Mr. Strange opened the way for the introduction
larger balloons, and when once a trial ascent had come
with flying colours, the late enterprising Mr. Boley i
not slow to profit by it.

My first ascent in the yeai- 1859 passed off withoD
biteh, and this was soon followed by others, which I 1l
no desiie to refer to in this book, unless I find somethi
extraordinary in the features of them, and such as will t
a fresh link to the chain of novel incidents for those n
deUght in adventure, and for those who desire to obse
the practical results to be ascertained from a few of :
various experiences.

THE BALLOON " QUEEN " IN A BTOEM.

This occurred during that remarkable gale in which '
" Koyal Charter," steam vessel, was lost.

It was a fine autumnal day when proceedings eo
menced and the weather forecasts did not publish f

BALLOON EXPEBIENOES. 49

cause for alarm during the preceding evening or early
morning.

The barometer was falling somewhat, and, most probably,
like many a mariner, misled by outward appearances and a
tranqail atmosphere, I had not watched it so attentively
as I should have done.

I have so often started in a boisterous wind that, as I
thought, there was nothing whatever to prevent the filling
of the balloon, indeed the auspicious outset, so far as
regards the inflation on such a remarkably still morning,
was a source of comment among those engaged in the work.

I was induced, owing to the promising and calm state
of the atmosphere, to go in to luncheon, but my old friend
Mr. Ohren, agreed to remain and keep an eye on the men
and the balloon during my absence.

I had not finished taking refreshment, when I espied
one of the gardeners anxiously seeking me, and learnt,
most certainly to my surprise, that a brisk wind hau
suddenly sprung up, and that I was wanted at once, as the
balloon had torn away the hose from the gas pipe, and was
dragging the men and the bags among the shrubs and
trees where they were unable to control its movements.

Fortunately I arrived just in time to rescue it from-
iffipending destruction.

While in this dilemma an oiBBcial, guessing at what my
tactics would be, cried out, " Pull away all of you, we will
soon drag her back."

''Halt," I cried, "do nothing of the sort, if we go on
that way as she now is, in less than a minute she will bo
torn, and soon flat on the grass."

60 MY LIFE AHD

The first step of the right kind was to take in a couple
of reefs, as the sailors say, as there was a large surface of
spare loose cloth acting like a sail, and it was, in reality,
this which the wind had acted upon, more than the inflated
bulk of the balloon, which I left snug ; but the men had
been too liberal in slacking out the netting, and the eiTOr
had to be remedied by undoing the mischief, mesh by
mesh. This conld not be done in a minute, but wheo^
once accomplished, after going round and round taking in.
two meshes at a time, the balloon was much steadier, and
we managed then, by an oblique course, to get her under
a row of trees which appeared to offer shelter, but here the
shifting wind found ua out, so that I decided upon con-
tinuing the inflation, in order to be ready to start at the
appointed time.

But the last and most vialent set of the wind revealed a
new and apparently insurmountable obstacle in the North
Tower, straight for which we were likely to go, unless the
most difficult and dangerous step was taken of pulling the
balloon lower down the Ai-chery Ground, right in the
teeth of the wind ; but eventually this plan was adopted
as a desperate necessity, when Mr. Chandler, who had
paid before-hand for a seat, now refused to take back his
money. I strongly advised him to go another time, bat
he was not to be disappointed, as he said, in that way — if
I could go, he could.

"AVell, if that's your argument, jump in, but I would
rather go alone."

There being no time to lose, I pulled the catch, after
giving a considerable amount of ascending power.

BALLOON EXPEBIENOES. 51

We passed over Sir Joseph Paxton's residence, steering
frightMy close to the Tower balcony, when we made a
vertical spurt in obedience to another outfall of sand.

We knew by a ringing cheer of congratulation how that
crijsds had stirred the spectators in their inmost feelings.

The car was apparently trailing behind the balloon with
a pendulum swing, which is not often the case. In less
than two minutes we entered the lower clouds, passing
through them quickly, and noticing that their tops, which
are usually of white, rounded conformation, were torn into
shreds and crests of vapour.

Above these was a second wild-looking stratum of
another order.

We could hear, as we hastened on, the hum of the west
end of London, but we were bowling along, having little
time to look about us, as the grapnel had to be adjusted
so as to suit the occasion ; some extra sandbags were
turned to a good account by making a bed of them at the
bottom ends of the car which we occupied, in expectation
of a rough landing.

As it came on to rain hard, we were agreed that the
sooner we descended the better it might be for us.

On breaking through the clouds we noticed how fast the
fields appeared to be rushing past, which meant how
quickly we were scudding over them.

Practically it is of importance to grasp this illusion and

to spot the place where it is desirable to stop, although in

strong winds an aeronaut may be much deceived in his

calculations in this respect.

While making for a large meadow, with several trees in it,

52 MY LIFE AND

of which it might have been possible for our grapnel to
obtain a hold, we found ourselves too high by a hundred feet
for a grip, but, owing to the speed at which we travelled, it
would not do to be over nice or to be hesitating and
fastidious in a selection ; we were traversing the open
country with only a few scattered homesteads round about,
and there being one of the latter near, it seemed as if we
should take a good bank and hedgerow at a sufficient
distance from the farm to be safe; anyhow, we could
not avoid trying conclusions with so good an anchoring
ground.

Fortunately, on the first contact the grapnel did its
work well, as I inferred by the shock which brought us up
suddenly while going ahead at the rate of over sixty miles
an hour.

"Hold fast, and stick to the car at all hazards," I cried,
*' and keep your eye on that barn, especially if we should
break away when more gas is let off."

" What then ? " asked my spirited companion.

I did not reply, but thought that some of our bones
might have been severely tested, as we were at this time
suspended like a kite ; it was not so much the quantity of
gas that kept us up, as the hollow surface of loose silk,
which acted like a falling kite, and the obvious game of
skill consisted in not letting out too much gas to make the
balloon pitch heavily with a thud that would have been
awfully unpleasant, but to jockey our final touch in a
gradual manner, and yet to do it as quickly as possible,
for fear of the machine getting adrift ; since under the
peculiar circumstances in which we were placed, it would

BALLOON EXPERIENCES* 68

have inevitably fallen with a crushing blow which might

liave proved fatal, like poor Simmons* descent.

I never remember to have been in a situation when
more coolness and nicety were required to overcome the
peril which here beset us, while on that day the strong
wind was, strange as it may sound, helping us to alight
easily— that is, as long as the grapnel held firmly, and
the balloon did not turn over like an unsteady kite.

To me it was a time of intense anxiety, while Mr.
Chandler, though well down in the car, was smiling at
not having had the least taste, as yet, of that rough work
for which I had prepared him. When we gently touched
the grass, and I threw open the valve to its full extent, we
were tolerably safe, as there was not so very much gas
at this time to let off, and we had been for some time
suspended by wind ; so we had a descent, as it happily
proved, of less violence than I have frequently encountered,
on a day when merely a fresh breeze was blowing.

Being wet through, we took shelter in a roadside inn,
where I resolved to stay for the night.

My friend said he would rather go home just as he was,
his wife not being aware of the kind of vehicle in which
he had braved the storm. I advised him to telegraph
and stay, but he went on, and took, as I heard, a very
severe cold.

The landlord of the inn ventured to give me a little
homely advice, and urged me to partake of a stiff glass of
hot brandy and water.

I took the stimulant as well as his timely counsel, and
then asked if he could oblige me with the loan of a suit

I
I

54 UY L.IFE AND

of clothes, and if he would order a. fire to be lighted
in a bedroom, as I seriously meditated drying my own
clothes.

I intended also, but did aot say so, to air the bed clothes,
and when all this fussy indulgence of the phrenological
bump of caution had been duly gratified, I went to bed,
and was no worse for my aerial trip in a storm.

THE TIE8T GALA AT YOEK.

Before taiing part in> the Midland Counties Anniversary
at Derby, I went in June, 1859, to the ancient City of
York, where a gala on a large and unprecedented scale of
grandeur was to take place, including flower and fruit shows,
besides band contests, fireworks, and a balloon ascent;
the whole was under the patronage of H,E.H. the Prince
of Wales, the Lord Mayor of York, and moat of the
influential families in Yorkshire,

It had been anticipated that these united attractions
would draw together such a mass of people as had not been
previously witnessed in the counti-y, and the committee of
management were not tlisappoiuted.

The day was beautilully fine, but a strong north-west
wind was blowing, an accompaniment which appeared to
amuse the spectators, who watched the flapping of the
tents and the buffetting of my balloon ; but however lively
such manifestations were to the excited crowd, to me they
were a source of anxiety, as there was a row of lime trees
rather near the place of filling, and I should have to go
over them with a bound, or an intimate acquaintance might
be scraped hastily which might not end in iriendship.

There were many good points I did not fail to notice in

BALLOON EXPEBIENCES. 55

the arrangements of this gala which stood out in reUef
and contrast with others I had to do with in the Northern
Counties. They had a smart field manager, who was
obliging' to me, so that there was hardly a want which was
not gratified, and as to men for holding on, they were
liberally provided in every sense of the word, judging as
I did by appearances, which included the colour and
expression of their faces, together with their gait and
handling of the sand bags, which became less steady as
the day wore on. This proved annoying, as it was just
about the time that I depended upon assistance in checking
the rolling of the balloon, which in all truth is sufl&ciently
sweeping on a breezy day, without additional rolling
motion on the part of the workmen through sheer
inability to keep straight.

All the responsible oflBcials, however, were most attentive,
and there was one who ingratiated himself by his affable
manners and thoughtful conduct, which was appreciated
by me, if not by the unstable men whom I was unable
myself to keep in order. Mr. Tom Smith, a well-known
townsman, and quite a character in his way, appeared to
exercise a wonderful power over them, which he exerted
when once I had signified what it was I required.

Mr. Smith, by some kind of magic influence, which at
that time I did not understand, brought them to their
senses ; the " Queen " at last was allowed to attain the
height of her fair proportions, and seemed to bow grace-
fully her acknowledgments as she swept round over the
heads of the people, causing them to stand aloof after
many had lost their hats. Very amusing was this unex-

r '

^1 pected act of apparent familiarity on the part of her
^f Aerial Majesty.

"Look out, she'll Imoek you down next torn," cried one
of the men, who had already annoyed me exceedingly, and
was giving orders to hia fellow workmen ; "let go all of
yon," he suddenly exclaimed.

Mr. Smith was now doing all he could for the best, and
admonished this stupid, half- crazy Yorkahireman. At
last I got in the car without thinking about or arranging
for passengers, in fact, as it was my first ascent from York,
and a windy day withal, I did not care about taking any,
tnt Mr. Smith informed me that a friend of his would
like to go, and as to himself, he would esteem it a great
honour to be allowed to accompany me.

"Yon are better where you are," I said,

"That may be so," replied Mr. Smith, "but will yoa
permit me to get in the car and assist you with the bags,
I will get out if it is absolutely necessary."

Mr. Smith and his friend thus joined me, bnt we had
great difficulty in getting that proper rising power which
B so essential for a safe start.

That thick headed and njisehievons workman, jnat as
I ordered them to let up for the final test, facetiously
exclaimed, "let go," which some of them did, and I
was so annoyed that I let go myself, not the trigger,
hut my left fist straight for the nose of this dangerous

" Serre him right," exclaimed many voices, when the
police dragged him oat of the circle.

Mr. Tom Smith was so amused with this hasty lesson

BALLOON EXFEBIENOES. 57

in aeronautic discipline, that he indulged freely in
laughter, saying, " you not only sent the man flying, hut
you knocked one of his front teeth down his throat; " " and
serve him perfectly right," echoed several hystanders.

We then made another attempt to start, but what with
the strong gusts and the stupidity of those who held the
last connecting rope, a general roll over occurred. The
moment a fresh chance presented itself I let her go, but
as Boreas would have it, we were caught like a slow rising
bird at a pigeon match, that is, we received a full charge
just as we were taking wing.

Our car was quickly relieved of ballast to avoid a
refreshment tent, but this did not clear her from the trees
fortunately only the lower part of the balloon, with us in
a crouched down position, sustained a very sharp contact,
a pathway was cut through, and we then mounted rapidly,
when Mr. Smith gave a lively cheer, which was answered
by the spectators. I then sprang into the hoop and looked
inside the balloon and saw that nothing was amiss.

Mr. Hudson was then asked to join us in replying to
fresh shouts of encouragement, but it is not in every
mortal after such an exciting start to feel thoroughly
collected.

The view of York, as we crossed the Minster, was
admirably calculated to revive the more undemonstrative
voyager.

"Look up Mun," cried Mr. Tom Smith, as he scanned
the beautiful City of York.

" I am looking down, Tom," replied the quiet one,
" there is most to see below."

58 MY LIFE AND

Mr, Hndson Iiitd not lost his wits, and pointed to Beveral
places familiar to both of them, as evidence that he knew
very well where ho was at that moment, though he con-
fessed to a strange bewilderment during our passage
through the tree tops, fancying, as in a momsiitary
dream, that we were thi-ee wood-euttera hocldcg away for
dear life.

The atmosphere being particularly clear, numberlesa
objects of interest around us were visible to perfection.
We could see the Eiver Humber, and had a glimpse of the
German Ocean ; but, as our rate of travelling was extremely
fast, we did not remain up very long, for there was almost
sure to be a lively descent.

Mr. Tom Smith, with much good humour, insisted that
the descent was aa extremely well managed affair; ha
shrewdly remarked that it waa not the going up he thought
so much about as the getting down, and when I asked him
for a clearer explanation, he added, " I am surrounded
with relations. My brother has gone for a trap to take ua
back, and another for the " Queen " is being put to, and
if my brother's horses are in as good fettle as they used to
be, we shall lick the train, and report ourselves safe and
sound before the last rocket has soared over the gala
ground."

FATAL PALL OP AN AERONACT,

This disastrous event occurred, under very peculiar
eirenm stances, at Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

A Mr. Hall, who had narrowly watched my movements
at Sheffield, resolved to engage in the aeronautic art
himself, and to try hia hand at some of those athletic

BALLOON EXPEBIENCES. 59

•

displays which had been introduced in London by
foreigners, and are now being revived.

He succeeded at first, but in descending near Sunder-
land he was jerked out of his seat when the anchor took
hold, and was so much injured in the spine that death
ensaed soon afber the accident happened.

The Newcastle people had been very sympathetic, and I
was called npon to ascend, as a benefit for his widow was
contemplated.

This sad termination to a short career had a curious
effect npon many of the inhabitants, who, in a somewhat
old-fashioned style, had no sooner attended Mr. Hnirs
obsequies, than they divided themselves into two parties
who contended against each other with much bitterness
and personal hostiUty, as if some religious dogma was in
danger of being examined.

The later indications of sympathy seemed to have been
absorbed in the delights of mutual recrimimition.

There was high discord when the announcement of
another balloon ascent blew the fire among the slumbering
embers, and this led to a fresh exhibition of animosity
which could hardly be believed, unless by an observer on
the spot.

On the occasion of Mr. Hall's ascent, the clergy and
dissenting ministers, magistrates and county gentlemen
and ladies attended in large numbers, and one gentleman
who had patronised the exhibition afterwards became a
violent anti-balloonist, attributing the accident to dangers
which it was not justifiable to incur.

This party resolved to have no more of it in Newcastle,

60 MY LIFE AND

and when it was announced that I was going up, a large
amoiint of abusive fory was evinced by the anti-balloonista
who were almost in a rabid condition.

It was ably and eloijaently pointed out in the NewcaatU
Chronicle that the risk of ballooning was not so much in
the undertaking itself, but depended exelnsively upon the
person undertaking that calling.

In support of this view the names of Charles Green and
of myself were mentioned, and an appropriate extract-
from the Aerostatic Magazine, which I edited, was cited;
this article bore upon the subject, and was penned man;
months before the melancholy event happened.

Despite all opposition my ascent took place, and the.
editor of the Nmvcastle Chronicle himself ascended with
me. It took place on September, 19th, 1859.

A few extracts from Mr. Langley's impressions will be
interesting, especially if I omit compUmentary allusionB
to myself.

" The siin had set to the world below, but its light still
tinged the weatern slqf and threw tints of pink far to the
east.

" An excited crowd pressed around. ' Stand back,' said
Mr. Coxwell ; and ' Stand back ' was echoed by a dozen
persons, who think everybody ought to stand back but
themselves ; and ' Stand back ' was again repeated in the
roughest Northumbrian by the police in large whiskers
and plain clotbes, and ' Stand back ' was at last enforced ,
by the officials in uniform,

" The great body of gas had drawn tight every string of
the netting in which the balloon was encased, and one by

BALLOON EXPEBIENOES. 61

one the bonds which held it to earth were loosened, one
rope only remained, and at the crack of a sort of trigger
this tie was severed.

** In the same moment the balloon sailed into the air.
We felt no motion, it seemed only as if the plain beneath
us was falling away. There was no rush of air, no jolt,
no consciousness of motion. A sea of upturned faces and
waving handkerchiefs was seen but for a second, and the
cheers were almost lost in the distance before the utterance
was finished.

" There beneath, as if in some cloudy abyss, we could
behold the sky reflected dimly from the Tyne, stretching
fer away to the west, where we witnessed the sun setting
for the second time. The pink tints on the clouds had
become doubly bright, and in every direction a panoramic
view of indescribable beauty met the eye.

" Among the mass of slate roofs, which was nearly all
that could be seen of Newcastle, except its lines of streets,
the kntern of St. Nicholas and the monument to Earl
Grey, the high-level bridge and the tallest objects seen
from below were just visible, but looked singularly in-
significant.

^'All the lower parts of the town were enveloped in
smoke, which seemed to grow more and more filthy and
impenetrable as we attained a greater elevation.

" Meanwhile the panorama of the earth below seemed

to be wound away like a scene on rollers beneath us, and

everything terrestrial to the eye grew * small by degrees

and beautifully less.'

" The crowds became indistinguishable patches of black ;

62 HT LIFi: AND

here and there wore seen at great distances the red spots
of light which indicate iron blast furnaces, while all adown
the valley of the Tyne the Bmoke of Hawks, Crawshay &
Co., the Walker Iron Works, and other chimneys, flowed
like a stream, growing wider and wider towards the sea

" From above, it resembled a huge white horse's tail
Bpread oat beneath.

" Through this veil of vapour, to the east, could be dis-
tinctly traced the locality of Tynemouth and North Shields,
but above this stratum of smoke there was an uninterrupted
view of country in every direction, such as could not havo
been obtained under any other circumstances.

" To the extreme north we could see Blyth ' sitting by
the sea,' while more to the west Biagdon Park peeped
forth, and nearer the bright roHeetion of the waters of
Prestwick's Carr and of the lake at Gosforth were distinctly
visible.

" On the west the high gi'ounds of Biagdon and Winlaton
seemed but a pistol shot, and peeping above the smoke of'
the coke ovens and lirebriek works, the eye could clearly
delect the summer-house ou the hill of Stella.

" At the limi t of the view on the south-west was a
richly wooded and cultivated country, which resembled the
Berlin wool-work once so fashionable among the ladies;
while through it the Derwent and Team ran like threads
of the brightest silver.

" To the south, Chester-le- Street, Lambton Park, and
Houghton -le- Spring and the winding Wear were distinctly
Tisihle in turn; beyond these there was a black mist, and
' farther still the towers of Durham's ancient Cathedral.

BALLOON EXPEBIEKCES. 63

** To the east, the sea lay broad and blue, with specks
here and there upon its surface^ and now and again a light
like a tiny spark.

" Above was spread a canopy of pure unspotted purple,
deepening in its tone of blue towards the east ; while on
the west, the rosy tints of the sunset mingled with it
behind the cumulo-stratus clouds.

"At about a mile ahead of us, as we approached the
earth near West Boldon, the aeronaut pointed out a green
field, on which, he said, it would be prudent to land, and
in that identical spot the balloon subsequently rested.
Nothing could better prove how thoroughly this gentleman
understood his profession, and how absurd it is to judge of
the dangers of aerial navigation from the experiments of
ignorant and incautious persons.

▼ v|c ^ 9|fr ^ ^|c jk 1^

"We returned to * Canny Newcassel' with delightful
recollections of our aerial trip, and the good folks with
whom it had brought us in contact."

64 HT LIFE AKD

CHAPTER IV.

BALLOONS USED IN THE ITATJAN CAMPAIGN OF 1859.

^HE Aerial Reconnaisance to which The Times referred
and which I here subjoin, gladdened few hearts
more than my own.

I began to think that the time would soon arrive when
balloons would be used in the British army, as a successful
ascent during warfare had been made by a civilian French
aeronaut, and, historically speaking, it takes higher rank
than any made by military aeronauts up to the present
year of grace 1888, as it actually led to important results,
as will be gathered from the following remarks : —

"Why is it,'' asked The Times, " that the Austrians,
who can lose so valiantly, can seldom win ?

" Because their knowledge is not of the present, but of
the past. They are governed and directed by old hands
and old routine. They have an enemy who does not care
a centime for antiquity, and is not above taking the most
irregular methods to win a victory.

" The Emperor of the French, representing the juvenile
irregular school, in the most ungentlemanlike manner
refuses to be surprised. Having recourse to a newfangled
expedient which no trustworthy veteran, who can count his
seventy years, would condescend to use, he sends a man up

BALLOON EXPEBIENCES. 65

in a balloon ; and, at the expense of a few yards of silk

and a few sqnare feet of gas, is told the exact position of

all those masses, which are drawn up so scientifically ont

of his sight with the intention of surprising him at the

comfortable, leisurely hoar of 9 a.m.

" The man of his time — ^the clever, active, shrewd, nothing-
contemning adventm'er of the nineteenth century — ^by dint
of this small contrivance, becomes master of the position.
He knows what is going to happen, and where his enemy
is, as well as their numbers ; and while the heavy, self-
complacent Austrian is chuckling at the formal surprise
that is to come off at 9 a.m., he commences operations at
daybreak, chooses his own time and point of attack, and
remains master of the field."

The correspondent of the same journal, who accompanied
the Austrian army, wrote : — " How was it that the French
were ready at six o'clock to make a combined attack against
the Austrians, who, on their part, had but just taken up
positions on the previous evening ?

*^An easy answer can be given to that question. No
sooner was the first Austrian battalion out of Vallegio on
the 23rd than a balloon was observed to rise in the air
from the vicinity of Monzambano, a signal, no doubt, for
the French in Castiglione. I have a full conviction that
the Emperor of the French knew on the evening of the
23rd the exact position of every Austrian corps ; that he
made his preparations accordingly ; and that on the other
hand, the Emperor of Austria was utterly unable to ascer-
tain what was the number or distribution of the forces of
the allies.

66 MY LIFE AND

" The above intelligence brings Mr. Cox-well into the field-
again. 'We gather from recent news,' writes that snceesB-
fijl acronaat, ' that M. Go<lard made an ascent to observe the
Anstrians ; also, that forty women have been since engaged
at Paris in making a new balloon for the French army.
Ever since the Enssian war, and daring that event,

have laboured hard in endeavouring to evoke the attention
of oar Government, our scientific men, and the Press, to
the importance of aerial observations and balloon signal-
ling. Balloons may, I think, be used with long wire ropes
attached (kite faehion) withont being let go, which might
endanger their falling in an enemy's camp. Secondly —
There is no real necessity that the balloon should be
within close range of large or small shot. Thirdly —
Hydrogen gas, by the decomposition of water, or by a
novel process, would enable balloons to be inflated in what-
ever locality desirable. Balloons may also be made the
vehicles of laying a temporary electric wire or thread in
any direction required. A revolving drum beneath the car
might be made to contain many miles of thin wire, so as
to pay it out as desired. In this way, a network of com-
munication conld bo establiahed.' "

Some time since a dispute arose as to who first suggested
"Balloon Signalling." I think these extracts from the
leading journal will set at rest any doubt on this point, and,
combined with the plan and details of my War Balloon,
vhich ascended in the year 1854, will prove conclusive.

NOVEL AND THRILLING EXPEBIENCES.

A compressed account of some rather new incidents in
my life which happened during the years 1860 and 1861

BALLOON EXFEBIENOES. 67

^ now be given^ bat it becomes necessary, in order to
complete my narrative in the present volnme, to be brief in
referring to one or two eventful situations, which I do not
shrink from placing before the reader, as I have no wish to
dwell exclusively on the bright side of the picture.

I have been hitherto true and faithful in describing
the perilous as well as the safe and successful trips which
I made in rapid succession &om the principal towns in
England at the period to which I am drawing attention.

Besides those frequent journeys which I was accustomed
to make in the Provinces, I held my own for many years at
the Crystal Palace, and witnessed one or two exciting
scenes at the Great Glass House, which would supply
matter for a book of much larger dimensions than my
present unpretentious eiOfort. There is one occurrence
which I must not leave unmentioned, as, though it forms
a small part of my history, yet it may chance to divert a
share of personal interest from the man to his balloons.

My store-room at the Ciystal Palace was at that time a
spacious portion of the north wing, and there my general
equipment was kept with constant care, owing to the dry-
ness, solidity, and supposed safety of that part of the
structure.

One day a fearful gale of wind brought down a large
portion of the north wing, including the square house
where my property happened to be. Of course the entire
lot was buried in the ruins, but an official lost no time in
apprising me of the misfortune, and some sympathy was
expressed as to the total loss I had sustained, owing to
the certain destruction of my balloons.

On my arrival at Sydenham I gazed upon a worse
looking wreck than I had expected to see ; the smashed
glass, twisted girders, and splintered woodwork, left small
hope in my own trouble-tossed brain as to the probable i
condition of the traps that belonged to me ; nor did the]
sight-seers, who had in their midst several officials and
workmen, tender anything in the way of consolation. |
The fate of my lot was a foregone conclusion, so that Hi
thought it quite as well to assume an attitude of resigna- 1
tion, though in reality I felt sore at heart; the crusheAl
equipment was my sole stock-in -ti-ade wherewith to carry 1
out numerous engagements, some of which I must needs I
attend to, according to agreement, during the following!
week, I

It was during the dinner hoar, when I was left a sorrow-
ing spectator of the scene of desolation, that I conceived
the idea of making a voyage of exploration down among-
the debris ; there was one opening which I entered,
burrowing further and further, until I had to drop on aU
fonrs and carry my hat to save it from collapse.

Not being able to see the wicker cars, I was about toe
give up the search, when a whiff of wind found its way
among the disjointed piles of flooring and huge masses of-
iron, and this brougbt with it that strong smell of gaa
which I alluded to on a former occasion, and which again.
showed that I was in the right ti'ack.

Nothing daunted, I struck in as far as I could crawl, and.
snifled about until the scent grew stronger, aud then 1.
came upon the objects after a diligent search, but heard at
the same moment a voice which I knew to be that of

BALLOON EXPEBIENOES. 69

lb. OordoD, the head gardener, asking in a plaintive tone,
"Whatever are yon pottering abont down there for
Mr. C?"

A panse now ensned, while I made a snrvey of sufficient
Mcoiacy to be able to know the worst, and to make a
report.

"Hold on Gordon," I cried, "lam working my way
out, and will tell you all abont it."

On emerging with my hat considerably the worse for
wear and my clothes covered with dust, I heard the words
"as flat as a pancake "

" You're wrong there ; they happen to be nearly bolt
upright, with a nice covering of rafters and cross planks,
which mercifully spared my frail luggage, so that with
extreme care we may be able to rescue the * Queen ' and
'Mars ' from ignoble imprisonment, and now that I have
niade this welcome discovery, do come and take luncheon
with me, for I feel just as hungry as a hunter, and shall
be glad of your company."

The final recovery astonished everybody throughout the
building, and none more so than the owner, who was, of
course, most interested at the lucky escape.

BEPOBTED DESTBUCTION OF MY BALLOONS BY FIBE.

One of the many kinds of risk which machines of this
description have to encounter, has just been described.
Sometimes the trips through stormy skies are surpassed
as regards danger to the thing itself, by voyages in steam-
boats, and travels by rail, when they are liable to be
smashed by accident in going to their next place of ascent
or returning to headquarters.

MT UFE AND

^H Then again, there are perils as to their being consumed '
^Bby what is called the devonring element. |

^B I never had much dread of loeliig them in this way, j
^B althongh I never, np to the year under consideration, I
H^ attempted to insure them. Mine were too invariably out
and about, up and down, to and fro, to be able to define I
in what precise locality they could be protected or covered

It may naturally be supposed that this fact would, at
times, cause anxiety ; this was especially the case one

P night when a lurid glare was seen to increase over
the south-west part of London, which happened to be
the quarter where I was bound on urgent business as
early the next morning as I could possibly reach my
destination.

When I drew up my bedi-oom blind to its highest extent,

so as to watch the distant smoke and flames as they shot

I up and reddened a bank of clouds, which at sundown were

^^ of a leaden aspect, I realized that a terrible fire was

H raging.

^1 However, I own to not having been concerned or curious
^H enough to stay awake all night to watch its progress,
^B wherever it might have broken out. In the morning I
^ should hear all particulars, and after hoping that no lives
might be lost, I dozed off, and thought no more of the
matter.

Feeling unusually buoyant next moi-niug, I trotted down
to the railway station and exchanged the customaiy
salutation with the good natured chief porter, and had
well nigh forgotten to ask where the conflagration was,

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 71

when the said porter, as if to pnt to shame my indifference,

"Awfdl flare up that, last night, Sir."

"Indeed it was. Have you heard particulars ? "

"Don't you know, Sir, Camden Town Goods' Station
bomt to the ground? Every mortal scrip and scrap
consumed."

'^ What ! " I almost screamed.

"Why, you seem staggered, Mr. C. I should have
thought nothing would have frightened you."

"My good man," I said, "that is just where I am
going ; both my balloons should be there, one from
Worcester, the other from Birmingham."

"Look out. Sir, mind the train — ^you had rather a
close shave — don't lose your nerve ; I hope you'll find
your balloons all safe. Good morning."

I was no sooner in the train than a jolly vis-d-vis
passenger said : " Like to see the morning paper, Sir ? "

" Thank you," I curtly replied.

"Bad fire that, last night. Sir."

" An atrocious fire ! "

** Nothing personal I hope."

** My dear man," I pettishly replied, " we are both dis-
torting the Queen's English by using strange terms. I
say atrocious, you say personal. The long and short of it
is, that I have lost, at least I fear so, two balloons."

** Bad job that, but, excuse me, I get out at this next
station."

** Then I will say no more," but I did mutter in an
undertone something to the following effect, viz, **that I

72 MY LIFE 4ND

was glad to be left to my own thoughts," which had fallen
(barometrically speaking) bo rapidly from "set fair" to
*' stormy,"

On reaching Camden Town, the cabman bravely conveyed
me close np to the harriers which kept back the crowd ;
some distance inside of them, the flames and fumes were
still to be seen and inhaled.

" Keep back, Sir," cried one of a posse of policemen.

I was pressing forward with all my might and main,
when I canght sight of a face that I had seen before.

He, the goods' porter, seemed to gness my errand.
Addressing the inspector, he said, " This gen-man is on
'tickler business."

" Yes, and on ticklish business too," I said. "Can yon
tell me anything about my balloons ? "

" They were here last night, Sir," said the porter.

" My dear man, I wish they had been a hundred miles
away, yon mean they are burnt."

" I can only speak gineraly Sir, there is nothing left of

■' Consequence, man, but my traps are of the greatest

" Well Sir, if you don't mind stepping along with me into
that licensed honse yonder, which is, as you perceive,
within these here barrers or whatsondever they are calledj
I will place you in 'munication with onr master porter."

" Lead on then, I shall not be mean if I can hear any

" Here Wilson, here's this ere gen'man about them hair J
balloons."

BALLOON EXPEBIENCE8. 73

"Ha," cried Wilson, with an elongated visage, ''bad

job Sir, is'nt it ? "
''Mr. Wilson, that is not the question. Are my things

einders, or are they safe ? "
"I do trast that they are insured, Sir."
" They were not insured, Mr. Wilson, but if you can
sstisfy me by octdar demonstration that they are now in a
proper position to be insured, I will give you a crown to
start with."

Mr. W. shook his head ominously, '^ The truth is," he
added, " everything is burnt, that is, 'cepting that lot of
stinking fish, that was shot down on the platform last
night, and our station master was that riled, that he sung
out ' Wilson,' says he, ' take away, and deposit as far off
as possible, these baskets. ' "

" Baskets, did you say Mr. Wilson ? "

"Yes, gut big uns, full of the foulest smelling lot
we've had here this season. But there, you seem to have
more blood in your face now, come and have a look at em,
the're just behind here.'*

Well, to make a long story short, I followed, treading
with excitement almost on Wilson's heels ; but there
was no fish to be seen, and I began to think that
my sensitive feelings were being trifled with, when
Wilson drew aside a black tarpaulin, and said, '* maybe
that's your lot."

Then I seized the noble fellow by the hand, and the
second in command as well, keeping good faith with them,
and exceeding my pledge, for had they not restored to me
two old and tried friends? Fortunate and right royal

MY LIFE AND

les to me, they never, I thought, appeared in mof^
'elcome form, especially as I drew near and saluted her
■ial majesty the "Queen" balloon.

STORMY TIUP FROM C0NGIJ3TON-

A first viait was made to this town ander what were
'Bapposed by the inhabitants to be favonrable auspices.

The weather was certainly bright and cloudless, but '
there blew, throughout the day, a very strong wind, bo
that it was doubtful whether the good au--ship " Mars,"
which had so luckily come ont of the Ci^stal Palace and
Camden Town disasters, would now bear the bnmt of a
which came upon us with a direct force, unbroken
by trees or buildings, and which, from the first moment
of the infiatiou, found out our open and weak points.
Efforts had been made to shot off the wind with large
IS of canvas, but to little effect, as the saucy war-
balloon flapped and tossed about, and the spot was too
small for a public gathering, especially when the last
rolling process, preparatory to starting, commenced.

To add to my troubles there was an old man present,
connected probably with influential parties in the town,
who would have his say, and was constantly loud and
noisy in proclaiming his opinions, first, that the day was
of the "right sort," and, secondly, that "he could tell
people, who was going up."

Well, all this sort of thing would have been amusing, if
anxiety bad not been increased by the rough wind, for one
never knows in ballooning bow soon a slit may occur and
pnt an end to all anticipations as to the ascent.
i "I tell you," persisteutly cried the old gentleman.

BALLOON EXPEBIENOES. 75

^1 that three besides the master are going np> and a nice
^1 isttling breeze they'll have too> and what more can the

iailoon-man himself want — though he looks rather down
ftboat it — ^I suppose one may get too much of a good
tiuQg sometimes."

"My good fellow," I said, "pray close your mouth.
Wliat do you know about affairs of this kind, or how can
yon, of all men here assembled, be aware whether I intend
to ascend alone, or take anybody with me ? "

"That be blowed! If the three I mean don't go, there'll
be a jolly row I can tell thee."

"Who are they, pray?"

** Well, as to that, Mister, here comes the Secretary,
you'd best see to it."

" Have you," I asked, " any applications as to
passengers? I hope not, as I would rather go alone a
day like this."

** Ha ! would you indeed, then I have done amiss in
not mentioning before that three of the Pearsons of
Lawton Hall, are booked."

" I regret that, as your gas in Congleton is heavy; and
then you see how it blows."

" Oh, never mind that, they want to see something."

"Yes, but not to feel something — I mean a rough
landing."

" They are quite ready for anything of that sort, and I
would not have them disappointed on any account."

** One will have to be disappointed for certain, I can
only take two besides myself, and if you had not exercised
pressure as to these young gentlemen going, I should have

MY LIFE AND

declined all companionBhip and fees to-day; in fact, I
woTild rather have plenfj of sand. I have bo often fonnd
ballast to be of mnch greater valae than caeh, that I do
not always consider it for the best to take passengers in
boisterous weather."

»" Yon will not, Mr. C. find it so easy to shake ofi" these
&iring youEg fellows."
This estimate of their undoubted pluck was found to be
correct ; in fact, while I was on one side of the balloon,
they jumped in on the other, when I was not looking;
hut they were pohtely asked to get out, and in the end only
two were allowed to re-seat themselves. A rapid ascent was
then made, the nearest buildings being cleared at a bound.
As it ia not customary either with the captain of a ship
■'Or the master of a balloon to allude much to danger, I
I was discrotitly reticent on that point, and engaged their
I attention with the fine views which surrounded us on all
I Bides, but we moved so fast that on asking whether they
I knew the country on the other side of a range of hills we
[ "Were approaching, they said, " Oh yes, very well, those are
I the Buxton Hills, we go rabbit shooting in that direction."
"Do you? Then I may take it that you are well
I acquainted with this neighbourhood ? "

" We know every inch of the ground," was the reply.
"Altogether then," I continued, "we may look upon
I'&e valley beyond as a good place for landing,"
' Decidedly so."

' Then I must ask the iavoor of your unshipping those
^ts, and of placing them just where I show you ; and on
i^ing the earth, gentlemen, we must keep well down in

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 77

the basket, and yoa must bold on by these cross lines, and
do not think of jumping out until I tell yon. The wind is
80 strong that if the grapnel does not find a good hedge,
bank, or tree to bring us up by, we may have some rough
work, BO do not feel unprepared."

"All right, never fear us, Mr. Coxwell."

"I perceive," said the elder Pearson, "that you are
letting off gas, we are not going down, surely."

" Yes, I want to just clear that bill you see on the left,
but I fear we draw away rather south of it ; how straight
your hedgerows appear."

" Ob, they are not hedgerows but stone walls," replied
the younger brother.

" Dear, dear, I am sorry for that, however, we must
take them nowi unless we catch beforehand. Look out,
I shall soon slip the grapnel ; there, we get the first jerk,
bold fast, the wind is stronger than I thought, and we are
going down hill — by jingo, there are rocks and a fearful
goi'ge ahead."

■' We dare not get among them, Mr. Coxwell, I ought
to have told you."

"Too late now, look out, we must ti? the holding power
of those stone walls."

" They go down one after another."

" I see they do, but hold fast ! the ear will pass tbi'ough
the next."

II did, and through one or two more, but the last one
slit up the balloon from bottom to top. Of course we
stopped, and the rest I mast permit a Buxton newspaper
to relate.

r
I

78 MY LIFE AND

THE ISJUItED AEaOKAUTB AT BtTXTON.

Mr. Coswell, and the MeesrB. PearHon, jnn., of
Lawton Hall, near Congleton, are now progressiBg, we ore
happy to say, towards complete recovery. It will be
remembered that on August ISth a descent took place
daring a violent wind, on the etone-walled and rocky
locality near Brierlow toll-gate, about two-and-a-half milea
from Baxton.

"A valley favonrable for alighting had been nUHsed,
owing to the force of the wind, and the car not being
over-Btocked with ballast, the voyagers fonnd themselveB
skimming over the ' back-bone of England,' the wild
ragged surface of which is in every way objectionable for
a balloon.

"Mr. Coxwell, seeing no possible mode of evading a
rough landing, prepared for the worst, and placed hia
passengers in the safest possible position, viz, at the
bottom of either side of the basket, where hand-ropes are
placed, by which to hold on in emergencies like this.

"As the grapnel (a large powerful instrument, forty-
two pounds weight) trailed along the gi-ound, it glided
over the soil and tore down stone walla, as if there was
holding ground or material for it to take effect in- The
consequence was that the car was brought down in contact
with the walls, and the only remedy was to exhaust the
gas aa quickly as possible, and lessen the number of
concussions. It was here manifestly that the experienced
aeronaut was equal to the occasion, as he peremptorily
kept his companions well down in the basket, and told
them that if they attempted to move or get out, they

BALLOON BXPBBIENCES. 79

wonld be killed on the spot. Fortunately^ the Messrs.
Pearson are remarkably endowed with what is styled
phcky and they stuck to the ship and obeyed Mr. Coxwell's
<H:dars to the letter.

" It was now the critical moment — two or three severe
bnmps were inevitable, the wind blowing in angry gusts,
and the car dashed through one wall of about eighteen
inches in thickness, making a clear breach, and hurling
the stones forward as if they had been pounded by the
hrgest Armstrong missile at present in use. Mr. Coxwell
was fall strain on the upper valve, which is thirty inches
in diameter, but still the mass bore onwards, and a second
dean breach was repeated in the next wall.

"Away again with renewed vigour, and down for the
third time, and once again through another wall, and now
the cry was raised by astounded lookers-on, that two fields
further lay the Deep Dale or gorge which would surely
prove fatal.

"Happily, the fourth wall having been dashed down,
and a considerable quantity of gas lost — ^the balloon itself
caught some of the stones and tore from bottom to top —
several countrymen, especially the sons of the toll-bar
keeper, now rushed to the rescue.

" Mr. Coxwell and Messrs. T. and A. Pearson were at the
bottom of the car, covered with stones. All three voyagers
presented a sorry aspect, their faces were covered with
blood ; but the aeronaut himself retained his senses and
directed that they might be taken out of the basket and
placed on the grass, and furnished vnth water.
" This done, Mr. Coxwell enquired if there was any

MY LIFE AND

house neaxi and finding that the toll-bar was close at hand^
diiectiuua were given for them to be carried there. Mr.
Coxweil then despatched a messenger for a conveyance to
take them to the Royal Hotel, at Buxton, where they
arrived in due time, and received the best medical attention
that could be procured.

" The injuries sustained were : Mr. T. Pearson, fracture
of the skull; Mr- A. Pearson, injury to the head and
broken fore-arm ; and Mr. Coxwell, bruised and cut from
head to foot, with a bad contused wound on the right
thigh. The injuries Mr. Coxwell had met with were not
considered, at first, dangerous ; hut those sustained by
the other gentlemen extremely so. Dr. Bennett of Buxton,
in company with Dr. Bullock, an eminent practitioner of
Congleton, took the cases in hund, and succeeded in
saving the arm of Mr. A. Pearson, and in reducing the
skull fracture of the brother ; Mr. Coxwell's case presented
symptone which showed deeper injuries than were suspected
to exist, the thigh was bruised and lacerated by
immense stone, so that the medical gentlemen could
scarcely comprehend how the bone escaped fracture
erysipelas set in, and the case assumed dangorouB ap
pearancea, but Dr. Bennett skilfully made a long deep
incision which had the desiied effect, and the healing
process is now rapidly progressing, and ml three sufferers
are doing well and leave their beds.

" This, we believe, is the first personal accident that haS'
ever befallen Mr. Coxwell out of nearly 400 ascents, had it!
occurred to a novice, some outciy might be raised as to the,
perils of ballooning, but since this mishap we have had

BALLOON EXPEBIENOES. 81

two terrific railway smashes^ three or four dreadful fires,
and an omnibus accident near Whaley Bridge ; all these
eonsidered, we can only fairly and reasonably come to the
conclusion that balloons are like ships^ coaches^ railway
trains^ and other vehicles, liable to accident and subject to
occasionable wreck."

A SIMILAB PERILOUS DESCENT BY MB. GREEN.

Mr, Hatton Turner, in his excellent work, "Astra
Castra," gives an account of this occurrence, which, taken
in conjunction with my own, will remove a wrong, but very
common impression, that aeronauts of repute and long
experience never have a failure nor an accident.

It is all very well for third or fourth rate balloonists to
declare themselves hard and fast in this boastful and
extravagant kind of style, but it will not do for men whose
careers are a matter of public property.

On the occasion of a fete at Cremorne Gardens, Chelsea,
in 1841, for the benefit of the Polish Eefugees, a gentle-
man named Macdonnell, said to be a representative of the
Times newspaper, ascended with Mr., C. Green, and
subsequently gave the following description, which will be
perused with interest.

" It was about five minutes after seven when Mr. Green
(with his liberator, as he calls it) finally let loose the last
links that bound the balloon to the earth. We immediately
ascended with a swift and steady motion till we attained
the height of about 1500 feet, at which elevation we
continued to move with considerable velocity, till we found
ourselves over the Isle of Dogs, when, throwing out some
ballast, we rose many hundred feet higher, and were borne

8S XT UPS A33>

IB a aoBth-vestedy duection tosiida the centre
eoQ&fyof Kent.

" Hire, tit Mr. Green's derare, I Utrew oat occasiooallj
eevenl pieces of paper, id OTder to asceTtain whether
were risiiig or remaining at a statiOBarj height.

" Soon afterwards, Mr. Green drew my attention to
emoke of the many stesmers vhich were passing, and
which was evidently blown towards the Connty of Essex.
Accordingly be thoagbt we might descend in the salt
marshes, where there were no woods or orchards to obstmct
oar progress. Mr. Green made his preparations! let ont
gas, and we passed over the Thames. He then cantioned
me particnlarly to take fast hold of a rope, which he had
&stened across the wicker car, and Inckily I obeyed hia
instmctions to the letter, for presently we felt a slight
check from the grappling- if on, let down &om the hoop to
the distance of 140 feet towards the earth.

" A moment after, there came a terrific shock ; we were
going at the rate of sixty miles an hoor, and oar anchor
canght in the side of a dyke, and, owing to the extrem»'
speed at which we were traTelling, tore its way throogh the.
hoop to which it was fastened, and, coming in contact with
the car as it snapped, completely apset it, so that we
were tamed topsy-tarvey, with our heads towards the
ground, the rope which was passed across the car alone
preventing our falling oat ; though so complete was the
npset, that most of the contents of the car, sach as the
ballast, &c., as well as my own hat, dropped to the earth.

" In another moment the car righted, and the balloon,
thns freed &om every check, descended, dashing as witB

BALLOON EXPEBIENCIES. 88

terrific force against the ground. Immediately afterwards
it re-ascendedy and again brought us with a fearM
collision to the earth. We were then carried along for
half a mile until we reached a creek or small river, through
which we hurried, half buried in its waters, to the opposite
bank, over which we bounded like a tennis-ball, and, after
a few moments, found ourselves dragged through some
acres of marsh and oziers, towards a high mound ; but
onwards, still onwards, the terrible demon held its way.

''Ere long, we were stopped against a strong paling,
but nothing could withstand our impetuosity, and we burst
through the oaken timbers as if they were cobwebs.

" Mr. Green is, I am a&aid, hurt internally."

ANOTHEB ACCOUNT BY MB. GBEEN HIMSELF.

*' Our descent took place at twenty minutes past seven
p.m., in a large marsh in the parish of Bainham, in Essex,
after crossing the Thames four times.

** On no former occasion have I ever had to contend with
80 violent a wind as raged now. Notwithstanding that the
spot selected was very well adapted to effect a descent,
being extensive, open, marsh land, I never experienced so
rough a landing. The first time the grapnel took a firm
hold, the shock was so violent, that the hoop to which it
was attached, and which had been used by me, and my
son, in no less than 313 voyages, broke, depriving us of
the grapnel and cable, both of which had been left behind,
firmly fixed in the object to which the grapnel had caught,
a bank. We were then dragged a mile-and-a-half in the
space of three minutes, by which time nearly the whole of
the gas was expended, in consequence of our never

84 UT LIFE AND

abandoning the care of the vake-line. We received
several eevere Bhoeks and eonensaions in passing over
dykes, banks, and fences, and a strong paling, throngh
which the car tore its way by the velocity of its motion.

"This illustrates, in a new form, that fact in natural
philosophy, that a comparatively soft body, like our
flexible wicker-car, when in very rapid motion, will force
its way through a hard substance without itself suffering
material injury. We did, indeed, get some hard knocks,
hut I understand that one of the reports in circulation is,
that the injuries I have received are of such a nature that
I must abandon the profession of an aeronaut. Permit
me to say that I hope to disprove this report, by making
an aerial voyage from the New World to the Old, taking
advantage of the prevalence of the westerly winds, ag soon
as I shall have constructed the kind of balloon which I
know to be necessary for that purpose."

I GET HOMEWARD ON CRUTCHES.

After a. sojourn of six weeks at Buxton in the height
of the season, but cut off from the customary enjoyments
by being confined to my bed, I managed to get up and
move about my hotel mth the aid of crutches. The
Pearsons had gone back to Laivton Hall, and were doing
fairly well, which made me long to follow their example,
and get beneath my own roof, especially as chilly October'
weather had set in, and I felt that under existing cirenm-
stances there is no place like home.

If I conld only get as far as Derby, and rest there
for a day or too, I should be among friends, and
Mr. John Allan, who accompanied me in the long voyage

BALLOON EXPERCBNOES. 85

to Tavistock, had been down to see me, while our mutual
friend, Mr. Henry Youens, had made an ascent or two
for me in the North, I thought it quite as well to ride
by coach part of the way, and press on towards London
by rail. The thought, however, of my returning to the
domestic haven was somewhat galling, as it was the first
personal injury I had sustained in this kind of life, and I
scarcely knew how I should be received by my better half,
who never liked ballooning and'had persuaded me to follow,
as much as possible, my profession as a surgeon-dentist,
so as to be in a position to relinquish the more flighty
pursuit in case I got tired of it.

But I was not tired of it, and how could I venture back
and sail under false colours ?

No matter, it was just possible, as Mr. Allan had
observed, a few moments before we were put down from
a cab, that no questions or allusions would be made, as
to my future intentions.

Nor were they for some time, and, at last, I began to
wonder why the good wife was so pleased and amiable,
as she had often vowed that if I was brought home with
a broken leg or arm, she was'nt quite sure that I should
be nursed as tenderly as if I had a natural illness;
since it appeared to her, that so very much ballooning,
in all kinds of places and weather, was like tempting
Providence, and she had more than once made a resolute
stand against the further indulgence of my fascinating
pursuit.

Why, then, was my better half so composed after the
first cheering greeting had welcomed me back ?

86 MY LIFE AND

It all came oat one momiiig after the local doctor bad
been to attend to my wound, whicb bad not fully healed
wben I left Buxton.

I knew there was something in reserve, and bad
commenced light fencing with a view to eliciting the
truth, and this is what happened.

" I have it, Henry, on the authority of more than one
medical man, that you will never again go up in a balloon,
and, I rcgi-et to add, that you will be permanently lame."

"Shall I indeed! And what elae do they prophesy?
That I shall never ascevd again, eh ? Well, we will talk
that matter over nest spring. In the mean time, when
I can lay aside these wooden legs, I must finish that
small silk balloon I bought, which belonged to Green ;
if we throw in a new top, it can be made as good as
ever it was."

" Mr. Coxwell ! How can you be so provoking."

"Well," I replied, "my hands are nninjnred; work
I mUBt, or I shall soon have the natural illness of which
you Bpoke."

"If, Mr. Coxwell, you will only look in your dental
work room, you will there find aometbing awaiting your
attention of a much more acceptable character than the
reforming of a silk balloon."

"I will not neglect bueiness, rest assured, but as to
these deplorable predictions, do not believe in them, and
recollect that no bones were broken ; as to flesh wounds,
damaged tendons, and strained muscles, it is beyond the
ken of all the doctors I have been in consultation with,
to know what new formations, and what recuperative

BALLOON EXPEBIENOES. 87

efforts may be actually at work before this day six
months, and to show the doctor how I disagree with his
abominable prognostics^ I will throw aside my left hand
eratch the next time he comes, and will pull myself
together with an extra struggle, and if I can only show
one of the faculty, how little they know, it will be doing
a kind and useful act, against which even my own wife
will not, I am sure, set her face."

I had now the happiness of perceiving that I had here
touched a chord, which vibrated to a greater extent than I
had intended.

The bare idea of my not being permanently lame ! How
clever I should be to disprove that.

Time, the great wonder worker, now began to work
fjAVourable changes, even ere the Christmas of 1861 had
passed, I began to show signs of being able to walk alone.
The crutches were smashed, I was deprived of two sticks,
and had to stand or fall, as best I could, without them.

I was enabled to go about the garden, and to slyly pull
about that confounded balloon I alluded to, and to secretly
design a new crown to it.

Friends and acquaintances, who knew very well in what
respects my wife and I differed in tastes, would not in-
frequently, for the sake of pacification and good intention,
" hold with the hare and hunt with the hounds."

Sometimes, when my hobby was being distantly referred
to, I was detected in the act of winking and blinking, as
much as to say, "I will though, if ever I get near a
balloon." All of which was understood to mean, that
what had been uttered about my never again going up»

MY LIFE AND

I 88

W mast not be taken as meant literally, at least, so &r aa I
wae concerned.

One day a lady visitor called, and in the conrae of general
conversation, exclaimed, " what an odd and remarkable
conple you are. Your wife dislikes ballooning, and yet
everybody can see how zealously she helps you, and, indeed,
she is your right hand when you are constructing these
balloons. I wonder that you never took her up."

" She ascended once to save me from reproach,"

" Did she, indeed, I never heard of that before ; wherei
pray, might that have taken place ? "

" It was from Berlin during revolutionary times, when a
large gathering was apprehended in the streets, as I was
about to show how the city could be bombarded by a
balloon,

" At the eleventh hour this exhibition was prohibited,
and an old fi'iend of mine, who at that time resided in the
Prussian capital, suggested that, as the chief attraction
could not take place, some counter novelty might be an-
nounced, he proposed that Madame Coxwell's name noight
be inserted in the evening paper, and though I declined to
accede to this, stating that my wife would not go on any
account, still the idea crept into the papers, and there was
I, in a nice mess, not knowing how to break it to her, nor
how I should stand with the public when a decided hoax
transpired.

" My Mend managed the matter very cleverly, however,
80 that when my wife was on the grounds next day, he
asked at an early hour, how it was that everybody was
looking admiringly at Mrs. C, and that everyone was

BALLOON EXPEBIENCES. 89

expecting that she was going up. Then he had farther to
explain himself^ and let the cat out of the bag by putting it
ihnfl—

'''If yon do not accompany your husband for once in
your life, it will lead to a great disappointment, and you will
compromise Goxwell's good name.'

" That appeal did it ; my wife, as a matter of duty,
ascended with two Prassian officers and myself, bnt she
never aspired to go again, and I always studiously declined
to ask her, being ever grateful for that one crowning act,
in which she renounced self, and studied my reputation, at
the risk of her own life.*'

tUY LIFE AND ^^^^1

CHAPTER V. ^^H

I
I

EBNCONTEE WITH UY MEDICAL ATTENDANT.

f TTT! steady but sura action of a long spell of reposs
began to manifest itaelf, as the fine breezy days of
March came round in the spring of 1862.

I had not seen my attendant, Dr. Hall, for some time,
bat dropped upon him nnespectedly one morning at the
corner of Love Lane, Tottenham, jnst as he was coming
oat of the house of a patient.

" Hallo ! old friend, whither away? What, running too?"

" Can't stop. Doctor, here's the omnibus coming, must
be in town early."

" Where are your sticks? Have a care for that poor leg."

" All right. Hi ! Omnibus, stop ! "

As I trotted forward, I could hear the Doctor exclaiming,
" Bleas the man, what a change."

And 80 there waa ; I was pretty well myself again, and
as to the permanent lameness, it was all moonshine. Any-
how I found myself in pretty active motion, and was going
to meet a gentleman, who had telegraphed his errand aa
" urgent," relative to Scientific Ballooning-

This had a magic effect on a sensitive nature, and a
perusal of the newspaper on my way up to London, ex-
plained, to some extent, why I was wanted.

BALLOON EXPEBIENGES. 91

There had been a great meeting of the Committee of the
British Association at Wolverhampton, and they had been
experimenting with a Cremome balloon, in order to take
Meteorological Observations at a great elevation ifpossihle,
hi (he balloon, which was piloted by a practical aeronaut,
viz. Mr. Thomas Lythgoe, did not attain the desired
altitude, so that Mr. Creswick, of the Boyal Observatory,
Greenwich, who was commissioned to observe the instru-
ments, was doomed to disappointment, as was Mr.
Lythgoe the balloonist; the machine was faulty from
frequent usage, and now that it was being employed for
objects of great interest^ refused to ascend very high, and
came down not far from the place of starting, from ^' sheer
inanition," as the newspapers described it.

" So, so," I think I can guess what the nature of their
proposition will be ; but how about my own balloons ? "

This led to reflection, which produced a depressing effect,
as I had not been able to get over to the Crystal Palace so
often as I was in the habit of doing before my accident,
and the largest of my balloons was not in a state for such
service, as I guessed was now required.

" Never mind," said Mr. Lythgoe, when he arrived and
went into the recent attempt, ''you must go back with me
and take your largest balloon ; you are so well known in
Wolverhampton that the cry is all round for you * to put
in an appearance^ We must have your balloon * Mars *
and lose no time in getting it there."

I did so, and arrived next day with bag and baggage,
such as it was ; but I explained most frankly that before I
could undertake to do anything I must be thoroughly

MY UFE AND

Biaformed of the objects and intentions of the Gommitt^^i
KsB I could not consent to move in the matter uulesB I ie'^
I enre that I could carry out their wishes.

A formal meeting was then held, the active and more
^prominent members of which were Colonel Sykes, M.P.,
I Dr. Lee, and Mr. James Glaisher, F.R.R,

When we came to figures and facte, I was atterly
I aBtonished ; not that I was in any way proficient myself
I in arithmetic and mathematics, but I could see at a
r glance that these learned men had not entered npon
their proposed explorations in the upper air, with anch
calculations as the great pillars of science might have
been expected to make in connection with researches of
deep interest to the learned world. Of course, profound
knowledge and ability to do so were all there, but, eingnlar
to relate, the powei-s had cot been exercised, or these
learned professors might have known by ten minutes
figuring that the balloon, wliich was imperatively needed
to carry out their ascents up to five miles high, must
necessarily be of much greater dimensions than they bad
expected. Indeed, after going into a few plain, practical
prehminaries, which spoke volumes, as one of the savants
confessed, it was found that they were wrong altogeflier,
and that I could not, according to my own admission,
benefit them very much with the balloon I had brought
down. This required, as I clearly stated, mending, and
was not large enough ; so I said that I would rather with-
draw, if they relied upon my attaining the required
elevation, as I could prove to them that we could not get
I more than, if so much as, three miles high.

BALLOON EXPEBIENOES. 93

" Then what are we to do, Mr. Coxwell, do give us your
ttndid advice."

''Boild a brand new balloon, fitted by internal capacity
and general construction for the requirements of the
British Association."

"We cannot, there are no funds for that purpose, the
grant for trial ascents is all that we can touch."

''If that is your position. Gentlemen, I will myself aid
the cause in a way that may help you."

" How is that, pray ? "

"I will undertake, at my own cost, to construct the
required balloon, and will be ready by Midsummer Day to
make such an ascent that will Bring no discredit upon any
one connected with the affair."

" A very liberal and encouraging offer," was the reply,
''and one that will place the aeronaut in a more command-
ing position than he would otherwise have had among
scientific men and the British public."

This proposition having been readily accepted and
indnstriously proclaimed by local newsmongers, I hastened
hack to give orders for the materials wherewith to construct
a very large balloon.

But how was I to break this startling and unlooked-for
intelligence at home ? How was I to comport myself and
explain those fresh enterprises with which I had identified
my name, and which might obtain publicity before I could
tell my own little story with extenuating explanations ?

I had every reason to suppose that an anxious wife
would pronounce me a more incorrigible balloonatic than
ever, nor was I quite certain that the family doctor would

Vi MT LIFE AND

not be colled in again to examine my head and nervoE
system, as a rash and sadden act of this aort, characterised
too by almost nnhettlthy- looking generosity with one'
cash, wonld probably not commend itself to the clear am
instantaneous perceptions of my wife.

Luckily for me, before I told my own tale, there bad
been a meeting at our house relative to an article in the
morning newspapers, which gave an outline of what had
been agreed upon at Wolverhampton.

My wife was strongly advised not in any way to tlirow a
wet blanket on what had been decided npon, or the resultfl
to a person of my temperament might prove unfortunatfi.

" Recollect," said an old friend, " that Coxwell has
always aimed at turning ballooning to a useful account for
military and meteorological purposes, if his ardour ia
damped now that he has recovered from his misfortune, it
will not do him much good, better far to humour big
caprice, as he haH pledged himself to the British Assoins*
tion, and if I gauge him aright, he will not go far wrong,
nor bring any reproach upon his profession."

When once the position was discussed with a fair amouul
of common-sense and worldly wisdom, all difficulties an^
drawbacks vanished, a strong right arm was therefore
forthcoming the moment I was ready for the stitching
snch like work.

All the available sempstresses of our neighbourhood
were duly interviewed, tried old hands were taken on
once, and the net maker, the basket maker, and the valve
maker were invited down to take orders, the execution of j
which would brook no delay.

BALLOON BXPEBIENOES. 95

Akrge schoolroom with a clear flooring was engaged
iff pattern formings and the oiling of the fabric to be used
vldeh was a kind of American cloth, made to order, and
foitable for my requirements.

There would be no time to build such a stupendous

machine of choice silk, as the preparation and manufacture

of 80 expensive a substance would occupy six months, to

say nothing of an expenditure of at least dG2000 which

would be necessary.

I was pleased to hear, some time after the meeting at
Wolyerhampton, that a determination had been arrived at
that Mr. Glaisher himself was to go up.

The fresh impetus given to the subject, and, I may add,
the fresh halo shed around the gigantic new balloon, and
the performances which it was expected to achieve, had a
remarkable influence on Mr. Glaisher ; although that
gentleman had never yet ascended, still he had become,
possibly by hearing my experiences recounted, a decided
optimist disciple, and he wrote to me stating that he
intended to take the observations himself.

This afforded me an additional motive for anticipating
anecess. I knew very well Mr. Glaisher's position at the
Bqyal Observatory, how zealous he had been in the ad-
vancement of Meteorological Science, and what a firm and
persevering mind he had, when once it was directed to the
investigation of any subject he took up, and, although
explorations in the air were quite new to him, as he did
not at that time seem to know much about aerostation per
*e, still he was anxious to gather all the information he
could, and I found that it was no slight study that he

■1

MY LIFE AND

BdeTOted to tlie subject loog before we were able to lann.-'^^
Pthe balloon ; lie came down occasionally to eee a V^
report pTogresa, and we bad tbe privilege one afternooxii
of viaiting, in company witb Dr. Lee, of Hart we//
my neighbour, Lake Howard, tbe father of
aieteorology, whose original works and instrnctive obaer-
vationB I possessed ; tbe siiientist, Luke Howard, was
then a nonagenarian, but bis son, Hobert, also a
scientific man, descanted on his father's remarkable
weather- wisdom, while the veteran rested on a sofa, as
one who was feebly listening to the life story of another,
and not to bis own, if one conld judge by bis manner and

Besides tbe long school room, in which hundreds of
yards of oiled cloth bang suspended, we had two or thi'ee
temporary tents in our garden ; here a certain portion of
the work was done under the watchful eye of my better
half, who was invariably the fii-st astir, and always before
sunrise, so that as the months of May and June came
round, tbe smoke might be seen issuing fi-om our chimneys
long before tbe earhest labourer went forth to bis daily

LtoU.

I One day, Dr. Hall came into the garden, looHng

' approvingly at our soiled bands, and pronounced almost a
benediction on tbe visible indications of labour.

"That's tbe Jdnd of thing to cure most ailments," he
cried, " you have no need to be ashamed. Nobody ever
cut mocb of a figure in the world without hard work.
But," he asked, "what is that nice odour arising under

, the fruit trees ? "

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 97

The fact is> that certain pieces of crockery ware had been

popped out of sight by some of the yoang work women,
vlio kQew what a searching eye the Doctor had, and did
not care to expose anfashionable modes of living at an
exceptionally busy period of onr history, when every
moment was an object.

My wife, who did not encourage this attempt at deception,
boldly declared that we were just about to have dinner.

** Dinner," exclaimed the Doctor, " you mean breakfast,
it is only eleven o'clock."

''I mean what I say, Doctor, that is dinner. Bemember
that we have our coffee at 4 a.m., and we are now quite
ready for a substantial meal, and if you will join us, do so."

" Good morning," cried the Doctor, " I envy you your
appetite, and confess that there is no tonic in my dispen-
sary that is equal to early rising and active exercise for
mind and body."

Another little anecdote about the Doctor may serve
to illustrate the kind of life we were pursuing while
preparing for a new departure in aerial travelling.

We were getting, to confess the truth, rather overworked,
I had been sunning a section of the new balloon on a
spacious plot of grass, and had remained in the open air
after the dew began to rise, before folding up the newly
varnished cloth, when I fancied that I had taken a chill
throagh being overheated.

Before I went indoors, however, the bell rang, and I
opened the outer gate myself, when Dr. Hall presented
himself, and on seeing me, he threw up his hands, saying,
" Very wrong, Coxwell ! You ought to be in bed."

98 MY LIFE AND

" Why 80 ? " I asked.

'* Why ao ! yon have got the cholera."

" The diokenB 1 have. Here, Mrs. C," I cried, " I
have contracted cholera."

" Get away in," eaid the Doctor, " I have Bomething in
my hag for you to take at once; " and there was I, ready
in my bewilderment, to swallow any mortal drug or
creature comfort.

The good wife, however, was not willing that I should
do so. She said, "There must be some mistake here,
Doctor, unless I am very much mistaken."

" No, you sent up not long ago, to say that Coxwell was
taken with cholera."

" Not I, it is a mistake altogether,"

At that moment, the doctor's assistant came in to say,
that it was old Cosel, the farmer, who was taken, and the
poor man hved not far from na, but the messenger had
pronounced his name so much like mine, that the blunder
was excusable.

The shock, however, was not bo readily surmounted, for
some little time I felt us if I really bad something of the
kind.

The Doctor, who was not a man to stand much on
ceremony, hastened off to Farmer Coxel, but he looked in
on his way back, and asked what simple domestic remedy
I bad resorted to, and when I told him that I had taken a
glass of brandy and water, he said, " Have another, and I
will join yon. Under the present circumstances, yoo
could not have taken a more prudent step."

BAIiLOOS EXPEBDESCBS. 99

THB OBEAT BALLOON COMPLETED AT TOTTEKHAX.

3n the third week in Jime, 1862, I was enabled to
te throogh the medium of a local newspaper, that I
8 perfectly ready for the eiq^eriments in which the
itifih Association was ahoat to engage, consisting of a
ries of observations in the npper regions with a view

determining the laws of storms and other atmospheric
kriations, by instraments of the most accurate and
dicate construction.

The fidlure with the balloon from Cremome induced the
iommittee to seek my services, it was stated, and the
aUoon was now completed, having been constructed in
he immediate vicinity of my own residence.

It's dimensions, when fully inflated, were : height
eighty feet from the ground, diameter over fifty-five feet,
md it was capable of containing, if fully inflated, over
J8,000 cubic feet of gas.

It had just been inspected by Colonel Sykes, Lord
Wrottesley, Mr. Glaisher, and a party of gentlemen, who
expressed their admiration of, and satisfaction with, the way
b which I had accomplished the work of so huge a
balloon which was to forthwith proceed to Wolverhampton
in order to make a first ascent.

THE INTENDED METEOROLOGICAL EXPERIMENTS.

*' The Balloon Committee," said a morning newspaper,
"are now in Wolverhampton, to repeat the experiments be-
fore attempted in this town with a view to determining the
temperature and humidity of the air at different heights,
the time of vibration of a magnet, and to take observa-
tions on electricity.

534891

100

UY LIFE AND

"The balloon was to have ascended from the groai
attached to the works of the Wolverhampton G
Company. Here Mr, Glaisher, to whom the making
the obBervations was entrusted, had ready all the vi
dehcately ooDBtructed barometers, thermometers, vess
for trapping the air, Professor Thomson's electrome
(lent for the occasion) and other valnable bnt equa
fragile instruments.

" The falling of a considerable quantity of ra
accompanied with a rather high wind, rendered
impossible to ascend during the forenoon. The weath
however, began to clear up about mid-day, and it v
resolved that an afternoon ascent should be made, 1
the balloon being perfectly new, the unfolding a
spreading of it, through the adhesive nature of 1
varnish, was the work of some time.

" It was then found that the day had too far advanci
and it was, perhaps, a happy circumstance that this ¥
80, for on account of the strong wind that was tl
blowing, the getting clear of the earth would have hi
attended with gi'eat risk to the safety of the instrumen
upon the perfect condition of which, the value of 1
experiments would depend. "Under these circumstam
it was determined to postpone the ascent until Mond
morning.

'' On the 80th of June the weather prevented an asco:
but on July 17th the work of inflating the mammc
machine commenced at about half- past five in i
morning, and ceased at uine, by which hour 66,000 on]
feet of gas had been thrown in.

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 101

"Lord Wrottesley and the Hon. Arthur Wrottesley were

this time upon the ground, in addition to Mr. Glaisher

Dr. Lee. A large number of the inhabitants of the

were also present.

''By half-past nine the car had been attached, and

. Olaisher haying taken his seat with Mr. Goxwell,

vast machine was liberated and ascended majestically

an E.N.E. direction. At 9.56 it sailed beyond the

h of observation even with a telescope.

" The voyagers wished to descend twice, before making

final landing. By this means Mr. Glaisher would

able to make experiments as a check on each

te series. The direction in which the wind blew

idered the execution of this intention more than

cult, as they might be on the coast before it could

executed.

A telegram received from Mr. Glaisher showed that
balloon descended at Langham, near Oakham, at
noon, after an altitude of five miles had been
tiled. At the highest point the temperature was
8°, the air very dry, and the electricity positive.
"The distance travelled in two hours was about sixty
jtaOeg.
"Had Mr. Coxwell remained above the clouds another
:i|wir, Mr. Glaisher would have found himself in the neck
the Wash.

'* The way in which so lofty a course was executed in so
if^ a time, elicited general approval after the Committee
been apprised of the details."

102 MY LIFE AND

WR. glaishek's report.
Published by request of the Committee, which codui
of:—

Colonel Sykeb. Mr. Fairbairn.

ProfeBsoi- Airy. Lord Wrotteslet.

Sir D. Bhewstbh. Sir J. Herschel.

Admiral Fitzhoy. Dr. Lloyd.

Dr. Lee.
Dr. W. A. Miller.

Dr. HoBINSON.

Mr. Gassiot.
Mr. Glaisheh.
Dr. Tyndall.

OBJECTS OF THE EXPERIMENTS.

The primary ohjecta were : — The determination of
temperature of the air, and its hygrometrical states,
different elevations, as h'lgli as possible.

The secondary objects were ; —

To determine the temperature of the dew-point
Daniell's dew-point hygrometer, by Regnault's coudend
hygrometer, and by dry and wet bulb thermometers
ordinarily used, aa well as when under the influence of tl
aspirator ; so that considerable volumes of air were mad
to pass over both their bnlbs, at different elevations,
high as possible, but particularly up to those heights win
man may be resident, or where troops may be located,
in the high lands and plains of Lidia, with the vieW'
ascertaining what confidence may be placed in the usa
the dry and wet bulb thermometers at those eleyations,'
comparison with the results as fonnd from them, and yf.

BALLOON BXPRBIENGES. 103

ihoBe found directly by Daniell's and Kegnault's hygro-
meterSy and to compare the results as foond from the two
hygrometers together.

To compare the readings of an aneroid barometer with
those of a mercurial barometer up to five miles.

To determine th,e electrical state of the air.

To determine the oxygenic condition of the atmosphere
by means of ozone papers.

To determine the time of vibration of a magnet on the
earth, and at different distances from it.

To collect air at different eleyations.

To note the height and kind of clouds, their density
and thickness.

To determine, if possible, the rate and direction of
different currents in the atmosphere.

To make observations on sound.

To note atmospherical phenomena in general, and to
make general observations.

INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS.

The instruments used were mercurial and aneroid
barometers, dry and wet bulb thermometers, Daniell's dew-
point hygrometer, Kegnault's condensing hygrometer,
maximum and minimum thermometers, a magnet for
horizontal vibration, hermetically sealed glass tubes, from
which air had been exhausted, ozone papers, and an
electrometer lent by Prof. W. Thomson, of Glasgow.

Barometers, — The mercurial barometer employed in all
the ascents — a Gay-Lussac's syphon barometer by Mr. P.
Aidie — was one of those used by Mr. Welsh in the year
1852, in his experiments. The inner diameter of its tube

! 104 MS LIFE AND

I IB 0.25 inch. The graduations were made on a. brass scalej
from its middle point npwards and downwards, each
division was about 0.05 inch in length, representing twice
that vainc, no that an observation of either the lower or
upper surface of the mercury would give the approximate
length of the column of mercury.

The barometer was furnished with its own thermometer,
the bulb of the latter being immersed in a tube of mercury
I of the same diameter as that of the barometer,
I This instrument sometimes read more than 20° in
excess of that of the sensitiTe air-thermometer.

The aneroid barometers were made by Messrs. Negretti
and Zambra ; one was graduated to thirteen inches and
the other to five inches, the latter insti-ument having been
used in later ascents.

DRY AND WET-BDIiB THERMOMETEBS.

Two pairs of these were employed, one being protected
by a double highly -polished silver shade, in the form of &
frnstrnm of a cone, open a.t top and bottom. A cistern
was fixed near to them, from which water was conveyed
to the wet-bulb thermometer.

The bulbs of the second pair of dry and wet bulb
thermometers were enclosed in two silver tubes placed
Bide by side, and connected together by a cross tube
joining their upper ends, and over both were placed
double shades as in the other pair of thennometers. In
the left-band tube was placed the dry-bulb, and in the
right-hand tube the wet-bulb thermometer. Towards the
lower end of the left-hand tube there was an opening;
by means of the aspirator, a current of air was drawn in

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 105

at this aperture, then passed the dry-bulb in its upward
passage into the small horizontal tube, and thence into
the right-hand tube, passing downwards over the wet-bulb,
and away by a jQexible tube into the aspirator. These
instruments were made by Messrs. Negretti & Zambra.
regnault's condensing hygrometer.

This instrument by the same makers, was constructed
with two thermometers, as described by Hegnault in the
Annuaire Miteorologique de la France^ for 1849, excepting
that it was furnished with silver«-gilt cups. The scale was
of ivory, and the two thermometers were fixed in their
cups by means of cork, for ready packing up.

DanieWs Hygrometer was of the usual construction.

Exhausted Tubes for collecting air. These were partly
constructed by Mr. Casella.

The Thermometers were exceedingly sensitive. The
bulbs were long and cylindrical, being about three-fourths
of an inch in length, one-twelfth of an inch in diameter.
The graduations, extended to minus 40®, were all on
ivory scales.

These thermometers on being removed from a room
heated 20° above that of an adjoining apartment, acquired
the temperature within half a degree in about ten or
twelve seconds ; but in passing from a heated apartment
to one of lower temperature, it took more than double
the time to approximate to within half a degree of the
latter.

MR. GLAISHER's report OF THE FIRST ASCENT.

" One end of the car was occupied by Mr. Coxwell; near
the other, in front of myself, was placed a board or table,

106 BfY LIFE AND

the extremities of which rested on the sides of the car ;
upon this board were placed suitable framework to carrj
the several thermometers, hygrometers, magnet, aneroid
barometer, &c., a perforation through it admitted th^
lower branch of the mercurial barometer to descend below^
leaving the upper branch at a convenient height fo
observing. A watch was set to Greenwich time, an
placed directly opposite to myself. The central space o
the table was occupied by my note-book. The aspirate
was fixed underneath the centre of the board, so as to b
conveniently workable by either my feet or hands. Holes
were cut in the board to admit the passage of the flexibl
tubes, one of which passed to Begnault's hygrometer
and the other to the place of the dry-and-wet-bul
thermometers previously referred to, both the tubes bein
furnished with stop-cocks.

" The Balloon was inflated at the Stafford Boad Ga^
Works, with carburetted gas, most carefully prepared hy
the Engineer, Mr. Thomas Proud, and frequently kept 3u
long time for our use, the Directors of the Gas Company
having most liberally, to their great inconvenience, placeJ-
a gasometer at our disposal for as long a time as w^
needed it.

** The weather previously had been bad for a long time^
and the ascent had in consequence been delayed som^
days, the wind was still blowing strong from the west^
and considerable difficulty was experienced in the pre-'
liminary arrangements, and no instrument was placed in-
its position before starting.

** The ascent took place at 9h. 43m. a.m., and at onc^

» f

. J

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BALLOON EXPEBIENOES. 107

tte balloon was qniescent. A height of 8,800 feet was

^cached before an observation could be taken; at 4,000

ftet clouds were entered, which were left at 8,000 feet.

The temperature of the air fell to 88®, and a height

^^oeeding 10,000 feet had been passed before all the

uistruments were in working order. The sky was

tb.on noticed to be of a deep blue colour, without a

cloud of any kind upon its surface.

^' At starting, the temperature of the air was SQ'', and
i^Av-point 55° ; at 4,000 feet it was 45% dew-point 83%
8-^d descended to 26** at 10,000 feet, dew-point 19% and
^Ixcn there was no variation of temperature between this
ti^ight and 13,000 feet. During the time of passing
^liTough this space, both Mr. Coxwell and myself put on
^^ditional clothing, feeling certain that we should ex-
perience a temperature below zero before we reached five
^^iles high, but to my surprise, at the height of 15,500 feet,
"temperature, as shown by all the sensitive instruments, was
3l% dew-point 25°, and at each successive reading up to
19, 500 feet, the temperature increased, and was here at
42% dew-point 24°. We had both thrown off all extra
clothing.

** Within two minutes after this time, when we had fallen
somewhat, the temperature began to decrease with extra-
ordinary rapidity, and was 16°, or 27° less than it was 26
minutes before : at this time a height of five miles had
been reached at about 11 a.m.

" When the balloon had attained a height of four miles,
I wished to descend for one or two miles, and then to
re-ascend, but Mr. Coxwell, who had been watching i

108 MY LIFE AND

|»rogreaB with reference to the clouds below, felt cei'tain
that we were too near the Wash ; prndence, tberefore,

jansed ns to abandon the attempt.

Mr. Coxwell had reserved a large amount of ballast,
which he discharged as quickly as possible to check the
tepidity of the descent, as we came down fast, passing
from a height of 16,300 feet, to one of 12,400 feet, between
lib. 38m., and llh. 39m., dipping then into a dense
cloud at this elevation, which proved to be no less than
8,000 feet in thickness, and, whilst passing through this,

the balloon was invisible from the car.

" Notwithstanding all his exertions we collected weight
by the condensation of that immense amount of vapour
through which we had passed, the descent was necessarily
Tery rapid, and we came to the earth with a considerable
shock, which broke nearly all the instmments.

" The descent took place at Langham, near Oakham, in

Bntlaudshire. in a meadow near the residence of Mr. E. G.

Baker, from whom we received the utmost attention."

MY OWN VERSION OF Oim FIRST moH ASCENT.

Happily I have "nothiag to extenuate," but still,
something supplementary to offer — for the first time by
the way — aa to ray own impi-esaions of this primary essay
in purely scientific ballooning. Of course I shall do bo in
iny own way, and shall not affect the scientific treatment
accorded by Mr. Glaisher. It will be seen, or may now be
isfeiTed by the reader, that, in an undertaking of this
iind, two different kinds of men are required — the
observer, who is intent and devoted to his instruments
and the pilot, who in new fields of aerial exploration

BALLOON EXPEBIENOES. 109

ninst, to be snccessful, have studied and grasped the

requirements of the Association and of the Meteorologist,

so as to be able to place the said observer in the most

^AVonrable positions as to height, quick or slow movement

^^ a vertical or horizontal direction, and above all, to

6^8nre safety, if possible, in such changeful and precarious

^oik, so that the balloon, the instruments, and — far more

*t».a.n either — ^the life of the Meteorologist, should be

^^xisidered and preserved.

The practical department being so all essential, it is

^Aa.tter for wonder that we find in the annals of aeronautics

^Ixat scientific men sometimes, instead of seeking the aid

^f scientific aeronauts, have undertaken these double

ixities themselves, the natural result being, that bewilder-

'^ent and inattention, ending of course in failure and

Occident, have more than once flowed from an attempt to

^o great things in two difierent branches of science which

^ire totally distinct, and a knowledge of which is seldom

found in one and the same person, however aspiring and

Varied may be his mental powers.

It was well, perhaps, for the honour of the British
Association, that the importance of a proper division of
labour had been accepted, though not thought of at first,
^hen the small Cremorne balloon was engaged to do
giant's work, and also when my small balloon was sent
for, as if these comparatively diminutive machines could
do what they were to all appearances expected to do.
That simple yet all important part of the business had
been, I fear, overlooked by the Committee, but no sooner
bad Mr. Glaisher's attention been called to this omission.

MY LIFE AND

■lio

H than he proceeded to make his own calculations, which
H 1)ore out the roughly formed Gstimate which I had made
^t myself, when I undertook to provide a snitahle balloon for
^B.a five mile ascent.

^r The antecedent high aecents which had been bo ably
made by Mr. Welsh in the year 1852, under the manage-
ment of Mr. C. Green, were conducted in the far-&,med
I" Nassau Balloon."
It was supposed that, owing to age and its behavionr at
a previous trial. Green's balloon was unequal to fresh duties
in which the temperature of the air would undergo rapid
variations and attain to excessive cold. All these drawbacks
led up to the acceptance of my ofl'er, and I was pleased to
find that the trial trip with Mr. Glaisher from Wolver-
hampton, bore out the opinions I had formed of tin
expeditiously designed piece of workmanship, and although
I did not consider or pronounce it to be, at the outset, so
perfect as it could afterwards be made by further varnishing,
still, the stipulated height had been attained, and had it
not been for the abnormal condition of that elevation
where the clouds had accumulated, and the irregular
reduction of temperature which was met with, the
probability is that a more gi'adual descent would have

I been made, and that no instruments would have been
broken. A new balloon, however strange it may appear,
is seldom so tight in its holding properties as the fabric
becomes after it has been distended and used somewhat,
then, indeed, another dressing tends to fill up all disturbed
specks and pores which may have developed themselves by
coming to the surface, and which may have remained

BALLOON EXPBBIBNCES. Ill

unseen to the naked eye until the superficial skin of oil
is rnbbed off.

This apprehension induced me to re-varnish my balloon
before again using it, and we found that the next
descent and the amount of ballast expended seemed to
bear out our expectations ; at the same time, the con-
ditions of the atmosphere on the second occasion were
not, as will be seen by Mr. Glaisher's second report,
at all similar to the meteorological state of the air on
July 17th.

I have frequently in lectures (which have not, however,
appeared in book form) expressed my astonishment and
admiration of the personal bearing of Mr. Glaisher
in the balloon car, when he undertook, without previous
schooling and initiation, to go up to an altitude of five
miles. I had never myself been to that elevation, but
had been, when alone in Germany, as high as I could
get with a balloon of 34,000 feet capacity ; but this calm
and self-possessed start on the part of Mr. Glaisher
satisfied me as to his having the requisite qualifications
for the duties upon which he had entered. I thought,
too, that he even seemed to take a delight in the mode
of travelling itself, and of the sight-seeing, scenery, and
doud-scapes, which from time to time presented them-
selves, irrespective of the philosophical uses to which his
notes and deductions were to be turned subsequently,
when they were studied and gone into in his own
systematic way. This to me was particularly gratifying,
as I had read and heard of attempts by scientific men
years previously, who had trembled in the car, and could

112 MY LIFE AND

not do justice to their owb powers and abilities for wani
of nerve.

Perhaps the previous interchange of views I had enjoyt
with Mr. Glaisher, and the acconnta I had given him of ra;
more interesting trips, had a stimnlating and inapirii
effect ; then, I maj add, that he had been staying for sonw
time in Wolverhampton, wliere I had frequently ascended,
and never had a mishap, and where I also had many
old friends who had perhaps spoken of me in favourable
terms, as accustomed to high ascents.

Mr. Proud, the engineer of the Gas Works, had often
seen and filled my balloon, and no doubt the same gentle-
man might have reconnted how I had spoken to him as to
my sentiments and plans ia connection with these scientific
aacentB, and how anxious I was to be provided with the
lightest possible gas, and how fully I had made up my
mind to eventually surpass all previous flights to high
altitudes, by such a culminating exploration, as would sorely
test our lungs and our hcBrts, hot which I fully intendeS
should leave a mark which could not easily bo sui-passed,,
and which would furnish the British Association with.
records with which they would not be displeased.

Whether Mr. Glaisher had heard of the hatching of this
wicked plot, 1 cannot say, but he seemed after he had once
tasted of the perils and delights of ballooning, to tacitly
approve of the sketchy outline which he did not denoanoa.
and for which he positively appeared to entertain a relish.

When we came down with a sharp thump, after
emerging from that deep and dense cloud of 8,000 feet in
thickness, I remember thinking that " this will be bis first

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 118

and last attempt." I offered some explanation of the
unexpected sharp contact with the earthy bnt Mr. Glaisher
seemed to think very little of personal discomfort^ it was
his instmments about which he was anxious, as he would
not be ready for the next ascent quite so soon as he could
wish, owing to the fact that replacement would take
some little time> unless the opticians were ready with
duplicates.

114 MY LIFE AND

CHAPTER VI.

T was qnite encouraging to find that Mr. Glaisher was
neither particularly surprised nor disheartened by
the rough landing; this, to me, was a promising
augury, so that no very great length of time elapsed
before I informed Mr. Glaisher of a proposed . ascent
from the Crystal Palace, when, if he thought some
observations at a lower elevation would be worth having,
I should be glad if he would take his seat, and obtain
as much information as he possibly could during my
exhibition ascents.

To such an earnest gleaner of every scrap of fresh
Meteorological information, this suggestion was not an
unwelcome one. Consequently our journeys for two or
three years were not confined to strictly private voyages to
excessive elevations, but embraced many instructive trips
on festive occasions, all of which helped the cause we had
both at heart, and gratified many who had • the honour of
ascending with Mr. Glaisher.

But before we appear on the heights of Sydenham, I
must allude to my return to Tottenham and of

THE RECEPTION I MET WITH AT HOME.

I do not know whether I shall be charged with maivkish
sentimentality in referring to domestic influences, but

BeieBe I hold, form as nsefal an addition to one's anto-
^ Itiography as the more public and attractive features of
daily life.

Respecting the first ascent of my new balloon, I found
that gossiping neighbours had expanded and contracted
much that the papers had omitted ; the main facta I had
heen told by letter, concisely it is true, and but cantiouBly
oommunicated, no attempt having been made to explain away
a lot of vile rumours, to wit, that we had been frozen to
death, and got out of the earth's attraction, and had met
with a frightful singeing in a limo kiin ; all that sort of
thing was bred of spite and calumny, and is not alluded to
as worthy of correction ; but travels, even in the trackless
air, where I have never yet met with any uncomely forms,
do somehow occasionally obtain ancanuy distortions, and
I was not sorry to get back in better trim, and altogether
more my old self than when I left home after being so
horribly lame and after that dreadful attack of cholera,
which drove me to the spu'it bottle before I could shake
off its effects.

Well, to pm'Bue my narrative, I may observe that if any
reader of these disclosures happens to be an ansious wife,
united to a person who, having bolted off a short distance
clean out of this planet, and having come back a wiser and
DO worse a man, goes home in an apologetic, rather than a
defiant spirit, to account for hia abacnce — such, a reader
can imagine, my return from cloudland, and the greeting
I undeservedly received. I had aggravated some few
relations by defying, as they thought, Providence, and by
ftirther courting danger, in wilfully springing fEOxa. ^bb

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 115

116 NY EJFB AND

frying-pan into the fire, as I was said to have done, ani
I had to bear the consequencea.

"Ah to tannts, do allow them to entertain their oob-
victiona," I said, " but do not dwell on the dark side of tte
pietnre. You will soon be wanted," I told my wife, "at
the Crystal Palace to be complimented on the succesB of
onr united labours. Friend Ohren will be there, and Mr.
Glaishar, also the manager, Mr. Boley, who has shaken me
warmly by the hand, nnd here are free passes, so do soon
invite our work-people to be ready for an outing, let na hava
0. cordial gathering, and though you do not care for pomp
and show, you must needs be there, just to maintain my
credit, yon know, and your own, and that of all the good
people who have helped to send ua op. I must away tO
Sydenham in tho morning, as I have to make an inspection
of the balloons, but come early nest day, and do not stand
upon ceremony, and as to my tempting Providence — but
there, I have simply tried to advance science and do my
duty, we can look up, therefore, and fear no one's tanntflj
for ' nothing succeeds like success,' and that kind of thing
is only too often accompanied by the envy of those who
ahould be the last to speak severely or mahciously of ooT
conduct and intentiona."

With these encouraging remarks, I once more entered on
a fresh phase of public baUooning.

OUR ASCENT FROM THE CRYSTAL PAIAOB.

Mr. Glaisher's account was as follows : —

" Mr. Coxwell having planned an ascent with hie largfr

balloon from tlie Crj-atal Palace, I availed myself of the

BALLOON EXFEBIENCE8. 117

offer of a seat in the car, for the purpose of taking a series
of observations upon the variations of temperature and the
seyeral hygrometrical states of the atmosphere at moderate
eloTations, in each of which paths of enquiry, I had failed
to attain satisfactory results in my recent ascent at
Wolverhampton.

" The instruments necessary for these investigations were
in the hands of Messrs. Negretti & Zambra, and were
those, which, having been broken on the occasion of my
previous adventure with the same balloon, were confided to
them for renewal and repair ; they executed their task in
a Tery satisfactory manner, and it is but fair to add that
these gentlemen have at all times expressed an earnest
desire to promote the experiments required by the British
Association. All the other instruments were at Wolver-
hampton, ready for the next high ascent.

"The balloon left the earth at 4h. 40m. laden with
thirteen gentlemen, and a large amount of sand and ballast,
and under the influence of a moderate breeze, bore away
slowly nearly S.E., passing successively Eltham, Dartford,
and the village of Singlewell, near Gravesend.

" The heights of the balloon were as follows, at 4h.
43m. 1,840 feet above the level of the sea ; at 4h. 49m.
8,700 feet, increasing slowly, until at 5h. 17m. it was
5,300 feet, on throwing out sand it rose to 5,500, and
6,600 feet, by 6h. 12m. it had reached an altitude of
7,100 feet.

" Between 4h. 46m. and 5h. Im., the altitude and
azimuth of the balloon were observed at the Royal Obser-
vatory at Greenwich, by E. J. Stone, Esq., M.A.

118 MY UFB AND

The temperature of the air was 68° at the Cryatstt
Palace, at 1,000 feet high it was 62°, at 3,700 feet it waft
61° ; it continuetl at this reading nearly till the height of
4,600 feet was reached, at 6h. 4m. and at an altitude of
5,700 feet it varied between 4S° and 50°, and decreased
from 48 to 43J-'' between 6h. 31m. and 5h. 38m., the
height at the latter time being G,100 feet. At the height
of 7,350 feet the temperatare was 41°, being 27° lower
than on the surface of the earth. After this the tempera-
ture rose gradually aa the fcalloon deaeeuded, and was 47'
at 6h. 20m,, 50° at 6h. 24m., and G8° on reaching the
ground.

" The temperatnre of the dew-point, or that temperature
at which the moisture in tlie air, in the invisible shape of
vapour, ia deposited as water upon the objects cooled down
to this temperatare, was as follows : —

" In the Gardena of the Crystal Palace this deposit of
water took place when the temperature of the bulb of the
hygrometer was rednced by the action of ether to 50° ; b
the height of 1,300 feet the bulb was bedewed at 43'
between 3,000 and 4,500 feet at 40°, then up to 6,000 feet,
at temperatures gradually decreasing ; at about 7,300 feet,
at a httle below 32°, and it afterwards increased to 47° on
reaching the earth.

" When the air ia satoratod with moisture, as in a wetting
fog, the temperature of the air and dew-points ia the aame..
On this occasion, on the earth, the latter temperature waa
18° below the former, and at the highest elevation 9°, bo^
that the air was nowhere saturated. From a knowledge of.
the temperature of the dew-point, can be ascertained the*

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 119

amount of water present in a certain mass of air ; this
amounted in the grounds of the Crystal Palace to four
grains in a cubic foot, at 1,800 feet high, to three
grainSy at 5,000 feet to two-and-a-half grains, while
at 7,800 feet there were only about two grains in a cubic
foot of air.

*' As the amount of aqueous vapour in the air necessarily
decreases with the temperature, the changes of the hygro-
metric condition of the air at different elevations, may be
better understood by speaking of the relative humidity of
the atmosphere, air as saturated with moisture being
represented by 100, and air without moisture by 0.

" The humidity of the air thus expressed was, on the
surface of the ground, fifty, showing an unusual degree of
dryness. It increased as we left the earth to sixty-three
at 8,000 feet, to sixty-six at 4,000 feet, and to seventy at
7,800 feet; and the air gradually became less humid on
approaching the earth. At no point, therefore, was
complete saturation met with, as before noticed. The
weight of a cubic foot of air varied from 526 grains on the
ground to 429 grains at the greatest height reached.

" Similar and simultaneous observations were taken at
the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, from which we learn
that the temperature of the air on the surface of the ground
varied from 67° to 68°, that of the dew-point from 49° to
51°, that there were about four grains of water in a cubic
foot of air ; the degree of humidity was about fifty, and the
weight of a cubic foot of air was 526 grains ; therefore the
differences at the highest elevations from these values are
due to the elevation alone.

I 120 M¥ LIFE AND

^M " Test ozone papers wero not colonred at all, and no

^r ozone was noticed in the aseent from Wolverhampton.

H We were never in the cloads, althongh rocky camnll, which

H it will be remembered, are the fine massive clouds of the

H day — were at a lower elevation than ourselves. The sky

H was free from clonda in the zenith, and of a deeper hlne

^P than as seen from the earth. At times there was a great

mist, and generally the horizon was hazy and obscm'e, tho

shadow of the balloon was seen both on the gromid, as

well as on the snrface of the clond.

" A horizontal magnet occapied a somewhat longer time
to perform a certain number of vibrations, both in this as
well as in the previous ascent, than it did on the snrface of
the earth. This is contrary to the result obtained hy
Gay-LuHsac in 1804.

" At 6h. 24m. a gun was heard with a sharp sound ; at
5h. 25m., a drum; at 5h. S6m., a band; at 5h. 38m., a
gun ; at 6h. 10m., a dog barking, and the working of tho

I engines on the Dover and Chatham Railway, was distinctly
heard.
"I have to thank W. F. Ingelow, Esq., for kindly
reading one barometer for me, and for rendering
considerable assistance in noticing the first appearance
of dew on the black bulb of Daniell's hygrometer,
enabling me, thereby, greatly to increase the number of
my own obeeiTations. The gas furnished, must have l
been of good quality to hare raised so great a weight to
such an elevation.

" The descent was managed by Mr. Coxwell so skilfully,
1 that no instrumont was injured in the slightest degree, and

BALLOON EXPEHIENCES, 121

in fact, the approach to earth was so gradual, that there
TVft3 scarcely need to steady one's self.

"JAMES GLAISHER,
"Royal Observatory, July Slat, 1862."

AN UH80IENT1PIC BUT GBAPHIO DESOBIPTION BY A VOYAa&B.

" About ten days a^o Mr. Glaisher of the Royal Obser-
vatory, Greenwich, made a balloon ascent with the view of
ascertaining and registering the temperature, density, and
humidity of the atmosphere at an altitude to which
previous aeronauts have seldom thought it desirable to
mount. Under Mr, Coxwell's able management the new
Mammoth Balloon — by far the largest over constructed,
and capable of containing not less than 90,000 cubic feet
of gas — reached the enormous height of five miles. It
was determined to make similar observations in the lower
strata of the atmoBphere, and another ascent was accord-
ingly arranged to taJte place.

" At about four o'clock in the afternooon, the enormous
folds of the oiled cloth began to expand as the gas was
sent into the balloon. Mr. Coxwell was at his post. Mr.
Glaisher, armed with a host of abstruse instruments
famished by Messrs. Negretti & Zambra, took his seat in
the car ; the favoured few who were privileged to join in
the ascent ranged thenieelves around him, and the balloon
being steadied for awhile, a photographic view of it was
taken. The Mammotli was then let go amidst a heai'ty
cheer from the spectators. As it was Mr. Coxwell's 507th
ascent, and not Mr. Glaisher's first, it ia probable that
neither of them felt any nervoasness on the occasion ; bat

132 MY LIFE AND

tlioBe who were now about to be introdaced for the first
time to the regions of upper air received an enormona
amount of facetious condolence and sympathy from the
friends they left below, which was not altogether reasanring
in its character.

" At exactly thirty-six minutes paat four the ascent
commenced, and the motion was soon found to be aa
pleasant as it was peculiar. Casting out ballast and
rapidly rising, tho aerial voyagers soon began to have a
view of the Palace which was entirely of a novel character.
Palace and gardens, all could be seen at a single glance,
and the singular taste and felicity with which the latter
had been laid out were far more vividly impressed upon
the mind of the spectator, than could possibly have been
the case by the ablest description, or the moat accurate

" Before many minutes had elapsed, the Palace looked
no bigger than a model ; and by the time an altitude of
two-tbirds of a mile bad been attained, the cows in the
fields seemed of tho size of small flint pebbles. The
landscape that gradually opened on the view was of the
loveliest that England could show ; and as sudden flashes
of light lit up and kindled the distant reaches of the
Thames into golden gloiy, which grew more and more
intense every minute, all who were not engaged in scien-
tific observations were in ecstacies with the beauty of the
scene.

" Farmhouses and outbuildings, rows of pleasant villas, ,
and long straggling village streets, all grew smaller and
smaller; away towards London there was a dense haze

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 128

that mingled with the smoke clouds of the great city, and
hid it from the view ; but there was an ahnost subUme
suggestion of MetropoKtan grandeur in the very extent of
the clouds which were required to conceal it.

" Drifting pleasantly along, rising still, but journeying
slowly, the balloon now passed over the village of Eltham.
The vast hall, which tradition associates with the name of
King John, seemed like the toy-house of a child.

" It was about this time that one of the strangest sensa-
tions of the journey began to be observed. This was the
seeming disappearance of the whole human race. Not a
peasant could be seen in the fields, not a single group of
village gossips was to be noticed in the streets. There was
a strange loueHness in thus journeying through the air,
but it had many charms about it.

" Mr. Glaisher was busily at work ; but when he was
able to snatch a moment's leisure from his occupation, he
joined heartily in the Kvely talk with which the travellers
beguiled the time.

** At an elevation of exactly a mile from the earth, the
health of the Queen was proposed, and the philosophic
potations of lemonade were followed by the lustiest
cheering that ever British lungs gave vent to at such a
height. There were thirteen persons in the car, but in
despite of this ill-omened number, there were no croakers
on board the aerial ship. Everybody was in the mood
for enjoyment, and it must have been a dull eye and a
feeble brain indeed that could not have rejoiced in the
glorious panorama that was unrolled beneath.

" As more ballast was thrown out, the yellow clouds of

124 HT LIFE AND

Band went floating and wavering graeefally until they were
lost to the sight. Meanwhile there was not a brook wliich
the aanshine did not light np into loveliness, and when the
Tivid rays fell npon any expanse of glass, they seemed to '
transform a conservatory into a 'koh-i-noor,' Shadows,
shifting every moment, wandered and played over woodland
and meadow and gorae-eovered heath, and even the high
roads, winding along past the ripening cornfields, seemed
like rivoi-s in the sunlight.

" The uloud scenery now began to dovelope itself into its
full beanty. That every elond has a silver lining is a
popular belief; but it is not the privilege of many to see
that the cloud has a sm-face too of the same metal. There
was at one time, if the expression may be pardoned — end
it ia one which, when used in the ear itself, was felt to be
appropriate — an absolute snowstorm of sunshine, a flood of
lustre and light, which stmck either npon the broad bosom
of the clouds, or upon their jaggod edges, varying every
instant, yet only changing irom one form of splendour
to another. When the eys — almost fatigued with this
exuberance of colour — rested again upon the earth,
fresh features of interest presented themselves.

" Announced to the car before it was distinctly recog-
nisable by the eye, the march of a body of volunteers now
attracted attention. There was a strango fascination about
the faint notes of music that came floating up through the
air, so distinctly, that at times the tune could be recognised.
Indeed, at the gi'catest height that was reached, the barking
of a dog could be plainly heard. The motion of the
balloon was slow, and it ascended in a series of spiral

BALLOON EXPEBIENGE8. 125

cnryes^ which vaxied the view incessantly. Very strange
it was to see how everything was dwarfed by the distance.
Woodlands, full of stately trees, seemed no larger and no
t^er than the furze-bushes on a common. Railway trains
oddly resembled caterpillars as they appeared to crawl
along through the deep chalk cuttings, yet the beating of
their engines was easily heard.

" There was much haze about the horizon, and some of
the effects which are generally seen in ascents were there-
fore not to be witnessed ; but as the balloon reached the
greatest height which was intended — namely about a mile-
and-a-half — the spectacle, which throughout had been so
beautiful^ assumed an entirely new character, that of
mountainous and Alpine grandeur.

** The cloud cumuli now lay below, though the delicate
wreaths and traceries of the cirri were still far above.
The enormous clouds appeared now like gigantic castles,
now like the fastnesses of Nature herself. Massive
buttresses and ramparts seemed to be reared by unseen
hands, and so little wind was stirring, that all this
gorgeous pageantry of cloudland was not fretted and
frittered away before the changing breeze, but remained
as though it were destined to endure for ever. As the
balloon moved on, its shadow began to be watched with
interest by the passengers.

" The Thames, which was being rapidly approached, had
lost, by this time, all the glittering brightness of the
earlier part of the journey, and, as Mr. Glaisher was
satisfied with his observations, and as no one was desirous
of drifting down Sea Eeach, it was determined to descend.

126 MY LIPB AND

Mr. 01aisher's health, by-the-by6j had been proposed, anA
received, with what may be called aerial hoQonra.

" Perceiving that the balloon was now in the neighbonr-
hood of Gravesend, Mr. Coxwell preferred to efl'eet th^
descent on the flonth side of the river, though the Esses,
marshes had been frequently suggested as a good place for
the purpose. The fall was rapid at first, but completely
under the control of the experienced aeronaut. As tha
balloon neared the earth, a rather nopleasant pioBpect
presented itself in the shape of a .hop-garden. Hop- '
gardens are exceedingly picturesque in themselves, no
doubt, bat they were not regarded with any pleasure on
this occasion, as their sharp poles became distinctly
visible, and seemed ominous of discomfoi't, if not of
danger. Just clearing the poles by a few feet, the car
gave a thump as it touebed the ground in a field at
Singlewell at about a quarter to seven. A pleasant ride
to Crravesend, and thence to London terminated an
expedition which was in every way most succeBsfuI and
agreeable. Its scientific results will shortly be made
known by Mr. Glaisher."

THE TINIUCHT NDIdBEB OF OUK PARTY.

Although we were thirteen all told, I forget who made
up the last and odd number ; I rather think it was Mr. —
now Sir George Grove. I remember his getting in, very
unobtrusively, with a slouched hat on, as if he did not
care to be recognised by the sightseers. But we must
certainly not pronounce Sir George the unlucky one —
possibly it might have been (if the omen holds good) one

BALLOON EXPEBIENCES. 127

of the officers who ascended with me. I cannot say if
poor Bnrnaby was with as on that occasion, but I know
ihat many are long since dead, and, as Mr. Glaisher and
I were probably the oldest of the thirteen, it is noteworthy
that, notwithstanding the many trials we haye had to
undergo, we should be still here, while several much
yoimger men have passed away.

The late Mr. Prowse, who wrote the above account for
the Daily Telegraph, did not live more than two or three
years after enjoying this and other aerial voyages.

My esteemed friend Mr. W. F. Ingelow, died suddenly
in October, 1886.

A GLANCE AT THE SITUATION.

My new balloon having acquitted herself creditably in
accomplishing the allotted elevation of five miles to begin
with, and having taken up thirteen persons in a semi-
scientific trip from the Crystal Palace, on July 30th, I was
pretty well prepared to meet my friends, and to face my
traducers, some of whom — and these in the aeronautic line
"^had declared that " if my hastily made afiiair would keep
up eight persons for an hour, it would be about the extent
of her power, and as to going five or six miles, it was
impossible with such a heavy, ill-constructed bag. People
ought to know better than to entrust themselves to my
care." A frightful smash would certainly take place, and
then how cruel it was to impose upon, and sacrifice the
life of, so confiding a man as Mr. Glaisher.

I just give a sample of the kind of worry which is
almost sure to fall to the lot of those who boldly make a

128 JtY LIFE AND

new departure without getting tbe approval and aanctioo
of perBODS with whom they have been acqnaiated ; this ia
frequently held to be an nnpardonable act, — " had yon
asked my advice," some of them argued, "I could have pat
you right," and if you beg to differ from their conclusions
and ask, "but where am I wrong?" then posaiblj you ara
told, "in every respect you are wrong" After this, I never
paid further attention to what such humbugs had to say,
concluding that contempt should be the reward of their
folly, so I turned a deaf ear to my criticB, and expressing
myself grateful for genuine encouragement, proceeded
on my way back to Wolverhampton for the next high
ascent.

THE BBCOND HIGH iSCENT ON AD0D8T 18tH.

In looking at the number of pages occupied in giving a
description of the two first ascents, I find that a very
concise account must be made of the next attempt, so as
to leave more space for a narrative of the ascent
miles, and I am anxious to tell my o^vn story, and describe
my feelings during these awful thirteen minutes when I
began to think that the naelancholy forebodings I have
hinted at, were actually about to be realised.

Ml'. Glaisher wrote as follows : — " The weather on the
18th ultimo was favourable, there was but little wind, and
that blowing from the N.E. By noon the balloon was
nearly inflated, and as it merely swayed in a light wind,
all the instruments were fixed before starting, and at
Ih. 2m. 38k. p.m., Mr. Coxwell pulled the spring-catch.
For a moment the balloon remained motionless, and then

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 129

rose steadily, almost perpendicularly. This ascent was
aU that coutd be desired.

" In about ten minutes we passed through a fine cumulus
cloud, and then emerged into a clear space with a beautiful
blue sky dotted over with cirrus clouds above. When at
the height of nearly 12,000 feet, with the temperature of
38**, or 80° less than on the ground and dew-point 26'*,
Mr. Goxwell discharged gas, and we descended to a little
above 8,000 feet at Ih. 48m., a very gradual ascent then
took place till 2h. 80m., when a height of 24,000 feet was
obtained, and here a consultation took place as to the
prudence of discharging more ballast or retaining it, so as
to insure a safe descent, ultimately it was determined not
to go higher, as some clouds, whose thickness we could
not tell, would have to be passed through. The descent
began soon after, and we reached the earth a little after
three o'clock at Solihull, about seven miles from
Birmingham."

MY lAFE ASD

CHAPTER VII.

MB. GLAISHER S ACCOUNT (

' THE HIGHEai ABCEKT.

Septemher 5, 1862.

" t!jpHIS ascent bad been delayed owing to tbo unfavoar-
l\ able state of tlie weather. We left the earth at
lb, 3m. p.m. ; the temperature of the air was 59*
and that of the dew point 50°. The air at first was misty
at the height of 5,000 feet the temperature was 41°, dew"
point 37". 9. At Ih, 13m. we entered a dense clond of about
1,000 feet in thickness, where the temperature fell to 36°.5j
the dew-point being the same, thus indicating that the
here was saturated with moisture. At this elevation thai
■ report of a gun was heard. Momentarily the clouds became
lighter, and on emerging from them at Ih. 17m. a flood (rf
strong sunlight burst upon us with a beautiful blue 8^
without a clond, and benea,th us lay a magnificent sea Ol
clouds, its surface varied with endless bills, hillocks, and
mountain chains, and with many suow-wbite tufts risinfj
from it. I bore attempted to take a view with the camera,
but we were rising with too great rapidity and revolving to<l
quickly to enable me to succeed. The brightness of tbi
clouds, however, was so great that I should have needett
but a momentary exposure. Dr. Hill Norris having kindljr

BALLOON EXPEBIENGES. 181

ftimished me with extremely sensitive dry plates for the
pnrpose. We reached the height of two miles at Ih. 22m.,
'Where the sky was of a darker blue, and whence the earth
Was visible in occasional patches beneath the clouds. The
temperature had fallen to the freezing-point and the dew-
point to 26''.

„ The height of three miles was attained at Ih. 28m.,
with a temperature of 18°, and dew-point 13° ; from Ih.
22m. to Ih. SOm. the wet-bulb thermometer read in-
correctly, the ice not being properly formed on it. At
lh.34m. Mr. Coxwellwas panting for breath; at Ih. 38m.
the mercury of Daniell's hygrometer fell below the limits
of the scale. We reached the elevation of four miles at
Ih. 40m. ; the temperature was 8°, the dew-point minus
15°, or 47° below the freezing-point of water. Discharging
sand, we attained in ten minutes the altitude of five miles,
and the temperature had passed below zero, and then read
minus 2°. At this point no dew was observed on
Eegnault's hygrometer when cooled down to minus 30°.
Up to this time I had taken observations with comfort, and
experienced no difficulty in breathing ; whilst Mr. Coxwell,
in consequence of the exertions he had to make, had
breathed with difficulty for some time. Having discharged
sand, we ascended still higher ; the aspirator became
troublesome to work, and I also found a difficulty in seeing
clearly. At Ih. 51m. the barometer read 10*8in. About
Ih. 52m. or later, I read the dry-bulb thermometer as
minus 5**; after this I could not see the column of
mercury in the wet-bulb thermometer, nor the hands of
the watch, nor the fine divisions on any instrument. I

I
I

132 MY LIFE AND

asked Mr. Coxwell to help me to read the instriimentB.
In eonseqaence, however, of the rotatory motion of tha
halloon, which bad continaed without ceasing since leaving
the earth, the valve-hne had become entangled, and he had
to leave the car and moant into the ring to readjust it.
I then looked at the barometer, and found its reading to
he 9fin,, still decreasing fast, implying a height exceeding
29,000 feet. Shortly after I laid my arm upon the table,
possessed of its full vigour, but on being desirous of using
it I found it powerless — it must have lost its power
momentarily ; trying to move the other arm, I found it
powerless also. Then I tried to shake myself, and suc-
ceeded, but I seemed to have no limbs. In looking at the
barometer my head fell over my left shoulder ; I struggled
and shook ray body again, but could uot move my arms.
Getting my head upright for an instant only, it fell on my
right shoulder ; then I fell backwards, my back resting
against the side of the car and my head on its edge. In
thia position my eyes were directed to Mr. Coxwell in the
ring. When I shook my body I seemed to have full
power over the muscles of the back, and considerably so
over thoae of the neck, hut none over either my arms op
my legs. As in the case of the arms, so all muscular
power was lost in an instant from my back and neck. I
dimly saw Mr. Coxwell, and endeavoured to speak, but
could not. In an instant intense darkness overcame me,
so that the optic nerve suddenly lost power, but I was still
conscious, with as active a brain as at the present moment
whilst writing this. I thought I had been seized with
asphyxia, and beUeved I should experience nothing more.

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 133

as death would come unless we speedily descended. Other
thoughts were entering my mind, when I suddenly became
unconscious as on going to sleep. I cannot tell anything
of the sense of hearing, as no sound reaches the ear to
break the perfect stillness find silence of the regions
between six and seven miles from the earth. My last
observation was made at Ih. 54m. above 29,000 feet. I
suppose two or three minutes to have elapsed between my
eyes becoming insensible to seeing fine divisions and
Ih. 54m., and then two or three minutes more to have
passed till I was insensible, which, I think therefore, took
place about Ih. 56m. or 57m.

" Whilst powerless, I heard the words * temperature '
and ' obseiTation,' and I knew Mr. Coxwell was in the car,
speaking to and endeavouring to rouse me, therefore,
consciousness and hearing had returned. I then heard him
speak more emphatically, but could not see, speak, or move.
I heard him again say, *do try, now do.' Then the instru-
ments became dimly visible, then Mr. Coxwell, and very
shortly I saw clearly. Next I rose in my seat and looked
around as though waking from sleep, though not refreshed,
and said to Mr. Coxwell, * I have been insensible,' he said,
* you have, and I too, very nearly." I then drew up my
legs, which had been extended, and took a pencil in my
hand to begin observations. Mr. Coxwell told me that he
had lost the use of his hands, which were black, and I
poured brandy over them.

" I resumed my observations at 2h. 7m., recording the
barometer reading at 11.35 inches, and temperature minus
2°. It is probable that three or four minutes passed from j

134 MY LIFE AND

the time of my hcotuig the words ' temperature ' and
' observation,' till I began to observe ; if so, returning
consciousness came at 2h. 4m. p.m., and tliis gives seven
minutes for total insensibility. I found tbc water in tba
vessel supplying tbo wet-bulb thermometer one solid mass
of ice, though I had, by frequent diBtm-bance, kept it from
freezing. It did not all melt until we had been on the
ground some time. Mr. CoxweU told me that while in
the ring, he felt it piercingly cold, that boar-frost was all
round the neck of the baUoon, and that on attempting to
leave the ring, he found his Lands itozen. He had, there-
fore, to place his arms on the ring, and drop down. 'SMien
be saw me he thought for a, moment that I had lain back
to rest myself, and be spoke to me without eliciting a reply, i
he then noticed that my legs projected and my arms hang
down by my side, and saw tliat my countenance was serene
and placid, without the earnestness and anxiety be bad
observed before going into the ring ; then it struck him
that I was insensible. He wished to approach me, but
could not ; and when be felt insensibility coming over 1»ivi
too, he became anxious to open the valve. But in conse-
quence of having lost the uae of bis hands he could not do
this ; ultimately he succeeded by seizing the cord with his
teeth, and dipping bis head two or three times, until the
balloon took a decided turn downwai-ds.

" No inconvenience followed my insensibility, and when
we dropped, it was in a country where no conveyance of
any kind could be obtained, so we had to walk between
seven and eight miles.

" During the descent, which was at first veiy rapid, the

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 135

wind was easterly. To check the rapidity of the descent,
sand was thrown out at 2h. 30m. The wet-bulb seemed to
be free from ice at this time, but I held the bulb between
my thumb and finger, for the purpose of melting any ice
remaining on it or the connecting thread, the readings after
this appeared correct. The final descent took place in the
centre of a large grass-field belonging to Mr. Kersall, at
Cold Weston, seven and a half miles from Ludlow.

" I have already said that my last observation was made
at a height of 29,000 feet, at this time (Ih. 54m.) we were
ascending at the rate of 1,000 feet per minute, and when I
resumed observations we were descending at the rate of
2,000 feet per minute. These two positions must be con-
nected, taking into account the interval of time between,
viz. thirteen minutes. And on these considerations, the
balloon must have attained the altitude of 36,000 or 37,000
feet. Again, a very delicate minimum thermometer read
minus 11.9', and this would give a height of 37,000. Mr.
Coxwell, on coming from the ring, noticed that the centre
of the aneroid barometer, its blue hand, and a rope attached
to the car, were all in the same straight line, and this gave
a reading of seven inches, and leads to the same result.
Therefore, these independent means all lead to about the
same elevation, viz., fully seven miles.

In this ascent six pigeons were taken up. One was
thrown out at the height of three miles, when it extended
its wings and dropped like a piece of paper ; the second, at
four miles, flew vigorously round and round, apparently
taking a dip each time ; a third was thrown out between
four and five miles, and it fell downwards as a stone. A

18t) MT LIFE AND

fourth was thrown at four miles on (leBcending ; it flew in a
circle, aud shortly alighted on the top of the ballooD. The
two remaining pigeons were brought down to the gronnd.
One was found to be dead, and the other, a carrier, was still
living, but would not leave the hand when I attempted to
throw it ofl', till, after a quarter of an hour, it began to peck
at a, piece of ribbon with which its neck was encircled ; it
was then jerked off the finger, and shortly afterwards fiew
with some. vigour towards Wolverhampton. One of the
pigeons returned to Wolverhampton on Sunday the 7th,
and it was the only one I ever heard of.

" In this ascent, on passing out of the clouds there was
an increase of 9", and then there was no interruption in tha
decrease of temperature till the height of 15,000 feet waa
-reached, when a warm current of air was entered, which
continued to 24,000, after which the regular decrease
of temperature continued to the highest point reached.
On descending, the same current was again met with,
between 22,000 and 23,000 feet. A similar inteiTuption,
but to a greater amount, was experienced till the balloon
had descended to about the same height at which it was
reached on ascending ; after this no further break occurred
in the regular increase of temperature, the sky being
clear till the descent was completed. From the general
agreement of the results as observed by Eegnault's
hygrometer, and those of the dew-points found by the
dry and wet-bulb thei-mometers, there can be no
doubt that the temperature of the dew-point at heights
exceeding 80,000 feet, must have been as low as minns
50° below zero of Fahrenheit's scale, or 82° below the

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BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 137

freezing-point of water, implying that the air was very
dry."

MY OWN RECOLLECTIONS OF IT.

After a retrospect of our highest ascent, I came to the
conclusion, and this has not been materially modified by
more recent thoughts, that the line of action which, at
the time I considered desirable to pursue, was the best
adapted to ensure success.

When first gas was passed into the balloon, on the
morning of September 5th, it was not long before I
perceived that the plan which Mr. Proud and I had
agreed on for the production of a very light gas answered
admirably, and, indeed, that a much superior description
had been generated and stored than had been originally
promised.

Aeronauts, that is attentive, observing, aeronauts, even
if they have been made acquainted with the specific gravity
of the gas before commencing to use it, are enabled to
form their own opinions as to its lightness, by noticing
the way in which the valve is raised from the ground
after a few thousand feet have passed into the crown
of the balloon. And it was not long before I perceived
a great difference in this respect alone, when we came
to draw comparisons between the previous inflations
at Wolverhampton.

I remember complimenting the accomplished engineer,
and then exchanging congratulations with Mr. Glaisher as
to the splendid gas with which we had that day been
supplied. As I went round and round the balloon and
loosened the fastenings, I pointed out the unusual tugging

188 MT LIFE AND

of the net work on the large sand bage^and this "was a
sure indication of great additional power — I mean at bo
early an hour after commencing. It was then noticed how
pleased I appeared to be with the prospect of being able
to accomplish a much higher ascent that on either of the
two former trips, and here I may observe that the lesaon
of the first trial was this, viz., that the work had to
be done expeditiously, for in going from WolYerhampton
when the wind was towards the east, the enormous curve
of an altitude of live or sis miles compelled ua to go np
and come down with micommon rapidity, in order to
avoid our being carried too near the coast to he either safe
or pleasant.

On the first occasion we drifted towards the "Wash, and
in descending we had to pass through large masses of
cloud, one being 8000 feet thick.

Another lesson, taught by the second joomey to
Solihull, was that the balloon was tighter than at the
first trial, as we retained and brought down a very
large amount of ballast. These two points ascertained,
I felt that with still lighter gas I could venture to
take Mr. Glaieher up to a much higher elevation,
and as no symptons of fainting had been felt previously,
I concluded that we might risk a more spirited rise,
for it would never do to come down in a mountainous
district during thick mists or the instruments might be
broken by sudden contact with a hill top.

On September 5th our course was towards the west
coast, so that we went in a diametrically opposite direction
to that taken on July 17th. Had the wind been noiih or

BALLOON EXPEBIENGES. 139

south there woidd have been a much longer run for us.
I mention this to account for the necessarily rapid rise on
September 5th, which may have helped to increase the
frequent spinning of the balloon and to add to a
susceptibility to giddiness though this would not be so
much felt high up owing to the total absence of all visible
objects. It is just possible, however, though I am not
at all sure about it, that a sudden transition to colder and
lighter air might have increased the tendency to asphyxia,
but on the other hand had we crept aloft and drifted away
to the coast much faster than we did, a much greater
danger would have been encountered,^ so that all things
considered we could not have proceeded in a better way
than that we actually took.

Situated as we were, the balloon was not so very
dissimilar to a ship which is about to be launched, say for
example on the Clyde, or from a building yard at
Blackw^all, where the creek or river is of narrow
dimensions, and where special precautions have to be
observed in stopping the vessel almost suddenly when
she has cleared the ways, for fear she grounds on the
opposite shore.

In these very high ascents there is much that should
be thought over before-hand. Mere dash and daring —
so much admired in a certain class of balloonists — might
prove to be a dangerous element in this particular kind
of ballooning. Had I not well thought out all the
different positions in which we were likely to be placed,
I could not have been equal to the requirements of each
case as it presented itself.

140 MS LITE AND

A balloon in rising to the height of 'six or seven miles
after being only two-thirds inflated, undergoes a variety
of changes, both as to brea,dth, length, and general shape
hefore it attains its highest point, and when the descent
takes place they are vastly increased. The volume of gas
which has filled the balloon at the masimnm elevation
does not occupy more than the top part on reaching the
earth after her downward progress ; therefore a mass of
elongated loose cloth is flapping about, which if not
narrowly watched may close upon the other side of the
balloon and so tightly embrace the valve-cord as to open
the shutters without, perhaps, the aeronaut being aware
of it. Certainly in my own case I had fixed additional
strong springs to the valve, still I fonnd that when a quick
fall was imperative, a number of novel and awkward
positions had to be seen to, or we might have been
confronted with difficulties of an aggravated character,
and there is no room for doubt that high ascents require
very special kind of treatment. The ordinary perils
of this mode of travelling are here multiplied ten-fold,
and if anything goea wroag when the machine is far
distant from the earth, the chances of preserving lifg
are few indeed, as a rupture of the cloth may extend
from top to bottom or the entire gas may escape before the
ground is reached, in which case death would be the penalty.

Though watchful as to all these diversified situations, I
could not reveal or allude to them when Mr. Glaisber waB
intent on his observations, and when so large a share of confi-
dence had been placed in my management that ho sat, to use
his own metaphor, as if he were at the Royal Observatory.

BALLOON EXPEBIENOES. 141

As regards myself, however, with the knowledge that
they might at any moment present themselves, I had to
be ever watchful and cautious, and at the same time ready
for a bold effort if need be.

In Mr. Glaisher's graphic account, he alludes to the
continued rotation of the balloon and the necessity for
my mounting into the ring to get possession of the valve-
line. I may here explain that the ropes which attach the
car to the hoop had been made much longer than usual,
so as to give extra length to that portion of the aerial
apparatus ; this increased the distance which I was
suddenly compelled to climb, as the line had been carefully
placed in a sort of pocket on the hoop, and there was an
additional length added on, so as to admit of several
small coils that would pay out if the slightest strain on
them was exerted. The lower safety valve or opening at
the neck had been enlarged with the idea of avoiding the
use as much as possible of the large upper valve, and when
Mr. Glaisher's troubles commenced, I was absorbed in
my own duties which prevented me from noticing my
colleague's uneasiness. I thought that his eyes were
dazed by the constant use of a lens and did not perceive
that insensibility was approaching. The premonitory
symptoms were not thought to be anything more than
a desire for a few moments' quiet, and when I really
began to apprehend that something was amiss, I
looked up far above the balloon for Supreme help, and
then found myself springing aloft to do what at this
critical juncture seemed necessary.

I had previously taken off a thick pair of gloves so as to

142 My LIFE AHD

be the better able to manipnlate the sand bags, and the
moment my nnprotocted hands rested on the ring, which
retained the temperature of the air, I found that they were
froBt-bitten, but I did manaige to bring down with me the
Talve line, aft^r noticing the hand of the aneroid barometer,
and it was not long before I aoceeeded in opening the
shutters in the way described by Mr, Glaisher.

After making this effort, I entreated mj pale but placid
looking companion to try an obseryation, but all was silent,
so that in this position I felt an amount of anguish which
can be better imagined than described.

Again, on letting off mora gas I perceived that the lower
part of the balloon was rapidly shriuldng, and I heard a
sighing as it were in the network and the ruffled surface of
the cloth. I then looked round, although it seemed
advisable to let off more gas, to see if I could in any way
assist Mr. Glaisher, but the table of instruments blocked
the way, and I could not with disabled hands pass beneal^,
my last hope then was in seeking the restorative effects of
a warmer stratum of atmosphere. Again I tugged at the
valve Hne, taking stock meanwhile of the reserve ballast in
store, and this happily was ample.

Never shall I forget those painful moments of doabt
and suspense as to Mr. Gladsher's state when no response
came to my questions ; I began to fear that he would never
take any more readings. I could feel the reviving effects
of a warmer temperature, and wondered that no signs of
animation were noticeable ; the hand of the aneroid that I
had looked at was fast moving, while the under part of the
balloon had risen high above the car. I had looked

BALLOON EXPERIENCES^ 148

towards the earth and felt the rush of air as it passed

upwards, but was still in despair when Mr. Glaisher gasped

T^ith a sigh, and the next moment he drew himself up and

looked at me rather in confusion, and said he had been

insensible, but did not seem to have any clear idea for

how long, until he caught up his pencil and noted the

time and the reading of the instruments. When after

disguising any emotional feeling, I told him of my own

inconvenience, he rubbed my hands with brandy. I was

80 much transported with delight at his recovery that I

availed myself of his services to help me in discharging

sand, for we had dipped 19,000 feet in a quarter-of-an-

hour, and were still falling fast, which required checking ;

as the crisis had Providentially passed, it was better to sail

along at our then level, or we might expend too much sand

if we allowed the balloon to drop another mile or two at the

speed we had been going down. When the balloon was

brought to her equilibrium there was a mutual explanation,

but Mr. Glaisher kept on dotting down his observations,

and we did not discuss the dangers we had surmounted.

How sweet and life-giving was the delicious atmosphere
as we came near the ground ! We were like convalescents
taking in copious draughts of sea air after leaving a
pestilential city.

Glad enough was I to perceive the customary freshness
return to Mr. Glaisher's face. The act of casting about
for a suitable landing-place afforded I thought an opportune
diversion, and glad I was that we had cast aside our
previous anxieties, the pleasing excitement and purer air
having acted as the best restoratives.

I m MY LIFE AND

H Wa fomtd ourselves, us already narrated, at Cold
■ "Weston, bnt we had to walk for seven or eight miles before
a railway station was reached, and as no train vras de-
parting for some time we sought an hotel, and asked for a
substantial dinner, bnt to omr disappointment, for we were
hungry, nothing but chops were to be had ; we did not
appear to be alone in this state of suppressed appetite,
however, as another gentleman was in the room awaiting
refreshment, and it seemed that he had long given his
order. The waiter Hrrived first with his dish, but on
removing the cover it was seen to contain delicious -looking
fish. " Confound that waiter," I muttered, after he had
left the room, bnt I had him when he returned with the
potatoes and the sauce.

" Look here, waiter, have yon no fish for ua ? "
" No, Sir, no, that gentleman is an angler, aud provided
his own dinner."

But if I am not mistaken, we did get a taste after Mr.
Glaisher had been to telegraph our whereabouts. It had
incidently been disclosed whence we had come. After that

»we might have bad, I verily believe, all the fish that the
astonished angler had taken. We lost no time in attending
to trifles, but got on our way rejoicing as far as we were
able, and early next momicg Mr. Glaisher's report waa
written before and during breakfast, and duly appeared in
the newspapers.

THE HIGHEST ASCENT ON RBCOKD, LEADINa ARTICLE
FROM " THE TIMES " OP SEPTEMBER IItH, 1862.

" Poetry has described some famous descents, and the
8 descejtsus Avemi comes back with a familiar school

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 145

twang to us. These dips into the subterranean world do
not, indeed, belong to the region of historical truth, nor
do they even profess to have been made for scientific
purposes ; yet, perhaps, they symbolise a certain spirit of
discovery appropriate to those ages. The two chief
adventurers into those parts, the two epic heroes, were
great travellers, — the explorers of their day. Science has
just now, however, surpassed all the fancy of poets. We
have just had an ascent such as the world has never heard
of or dreamed of. Two men have been nearer by some
miles to the moon and stars than all the race of men
before them. It is true they do not bring back a very
glowing account of their approach to the region of the
empyrean, yet their voyage upwards is not without poetical
features. On reaching the clouds they find themselves
among strange phenomena. They cut through a dense
mass of moisture 2,000 feet in thickness, after which the
scene changes, they are received out of the thick fog into
the clear blue vault of a liquid sky, and see the landscape
of clouds beneath them.

" Mr. Glaisher attempts a photograph of the beautiful
scene, but the rapidity of the flight defeats the process,
and as the car mounts upwards the paper refuses to receive
the constantly vanishing impression from below. They
now reach a fearful altitude, where pigeons, the unhappy
victims of all experiments, cannot fly, and where, at last,
the rarity of the air is too great for the physical structure
of man, and one of the explorers faints and becomes
unconscious. Yet such is the determination of men when
they are in the act of experimentalizing, and at the very

146 MY UFE AND

climax of their feat, that they will not spoil it by a check
80 long as progress is possible ; on they will go, and grudge
forestalling their vertex by a, foot, for every foot is ao much
gain and ao much triumph.

"For ten whole minutes, Mr. Coxwell ascended alone,
OP rather worse than alonej with his companion insensihle
before bis eyes, in a region seven miles distant from the
earth. That is a very extraordinary ten minutes if we
think of it, that Rolitary command without a rival, of the
boundless regions of space, when, for once, to be " alone
in the world " was not a metaphor, and one head was
working in the infinite void. It deserves to take its place
among the unparalleled junctures and the critical and
striking moments of war, politics, or discovery. But the
feat wtts almost too audacious, and was OEirned on to the
very verge of fate. Mr. Coxwell was only juat in time to
take the atep which was necessary for a return to the lower
world ; another minute and be would have been stretched
by the side of his companion, and a car, containing two
human bodies, would have been mounting to worlds
unknown, and encountering- aerial storms and shipwrecks
Bo removed from all our sublunary experience that we can
hardly form the faintest image of the reaHty. We know
enough of the geography of the heavens to know that it
would not have been even dashed upon the bleak shore of
a planet, or found a resting place upon some Ararat in the
moon. But Mr. Coxwell' s mouth performed the task
which his paralysed hands were unequal to, and the release
of the gas procured a descent, and gave a safe terminatioa
to the most audacious aerial feat ever performed.

BALLODN EXPEBIENGES. 147

"The courage of men of science deserves to have a
chapter of history devoted to it. It has been observed that
courage is a very capricious and inconsistant virtue> and we
all of us know the old anecdote of the gallant veteran of a
hundred battles who durst not snuflf out a candle with his
fingers. Courage is a thing of habit, and sometimes it
fSedls altogether immediately it is out of the field of its
habit. Your bold rider is one who has begun young and
becomes a sort of Centaur, only with the convenience of
dropping ofif the animal part of his figure when he chooses;
Ms whole body, with its muscles and sinews, has accom-
modated itself to the back of a horse, and acquired an
intuitive and unconscious balance. But take him o£f his
horse and, unless he has the principle of courage within
him, he is an ordinary mortal, and no more likes breaking
his neck than a quiet humdrum citizen.

" A soldier is accustomed to courage in company with
gallant fellows around him, but that makes an immense
difference. Company is both inspiring and relieving, it
divests courage of its horrors and gloom, it is therefore
much easier to be bold in company. But send your
bristling warrior a nocturnal walk along a lane, and he sees
ghosts peeping from behind haystacks, and hears super-
natural voices in ever gust of air. The feats of a man of
science give you a better guarantee for real courage, because
they are solitary, deliberate, calm, and passive. It is true
he has his enthusiasm which helps him, and he has his
field of courage to which he has accustomed himself. But
every new adventure, every fresh essay upon this field is a
solitary effort and impulse to him. He has to fight alone

148 MT LIFE AND

^M and by lumself against the f&intnesB of nature, without
^B men shoiitiog or flags flying, or trampets clanging around
^H Mm. He faces the invisible forces of nature, the gas that
^B explodes or the poison that penetrates, with the counte-
^ nance of a student and philosopher, and is at the dis-
advantage of having to be fully conscious and self -possessed,
instead of having the aid of the swing and impetus of

I passion. The cool feats of our scientific men are known to
nH all — such as that of Sir Humphry Davy inhaling a
particular gas, with an accurate report every minate or
two of its successive effects upon his brain and senses.
The aerial voyage just performed by Mr. Coxwell and
Mr. Glaisher deserves to rank with the greatest feats of
experimentalizers, discoverers, and travellers. It is true
these gentlemen have not brought down a very comfortable
or inspiring report of the upper world into which they have
penetrated. Science and poetry are unhappily rather at
Tariance upon the subject of the air and sky.

I" Poetry points upwards to the sky with glowing rapture
as the scene of brightness and glory, and a residence there
figures as the reward of heroism and greatness. Everything
is happy and splendid that is connected with the sky. Bat
science penetrates with its material eye into these vast
upper spaces, and simply reports a great difficulty of
breathing there, that the blood stagnates, the limbs become
benumbed, the senses evaporate, and nature faints in
unconsciousness. The very birds will not fly in that sky
which is their poetical home. The distinction is that
poetry looks up to the sky from below, and science examines
and feels it on a level. The sky is the emblem of poetry,

BALLOON EXPERIENCES.

149

the fact of science. Both aspects of it are equally true,
but the point of view from which they are taken is quite
different. But, though our recent explorers of the sky do
not add to its brilliancy as a picture, they have furnished
one more striking and impressive scene to the history of
science. They have shown what enthusiasm science can
inspire, and what courage it can give. If the man, as the
poet says, had need of "triple steel about his breast"
who first launched a boat into the sea, certainly those had
no less need of it who first floated in the air seven miles
above the surface of the earth."

COXWELL AND GLAISHEB :

A Song by a Schoolboy. From Punch.

*♦ 'Tis of the youthful Icaras

The ancient poet sings,
For whom his daddy, Doedalus,

Made certain waxen wings ;
But, flying up too near the Sun,

His wings of wax did melt,
And then he came right down like

As hard as he could pelt. [fan,

** A great deal faster than he rose

Apace descended he.
Until he ended all his woes

Li the iEjgean Sea.
Now what a lie is that account !

About the hour of noon
Glaisher and Goxwell both did mount

Six miles in a balloon.

'* No mortal man could soar so high,

Because, at that great height,
A pigeon they let out to fly.

Oould not effect its flight.
Half stifled for the want of breath

Was Goxwell, Glaisher too ;
Glaisher was nearly froze to death,

And Goxwell' s hands turned blue.

** Aloft 'tis cold instead of hot ;

Wax wings would freeze, not run.
By which a chap as near had got,

As could be, to the Sun.
As snow upon a mountain's top

Might show to eyery fool,
Bo that slow fable you must drop

That we are taught at school.

160

»riinni4!n>

• Bol aiiiibar^ flvflk, ■ndCknwiiri

ItMMiMlliiDgloadBilm; [loo^
As hil^ •■ Mi^ tiHr flmr

ThMH Movi iraot, and lii|^.
One kipk on iMdinc alliii ^Iftii,

WUIiIha oonld Me or iliiid ;
Tho oHmt*! toolh kl out ilM gM,

IVhiii ooldhid nmiilMd liii hiiiA*

*« *tif iRM «ial tboM two men did go
0is atloi towudo tiie i^ ;

BbI M fiar loMoa, wo know

ntd ■Iqit's an jay egro.
TlMn iliaft'f file use to leod about

<Hdheioeal!ailedaete,

'IflMtt now <li«9f*ie beaten, out and
Blfwondeia iliat are fiusta?" [out,

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 161

CHAPTER VIII.

GOVERNMENT WAR BALLOONS.

Notwithstanding the way in which my time was
occupied in the year 1862, I was seldom long silent
as to my proposals for the adoption of military
ballooning in this country. I find that in the Army and
Navy Gazette, as well as The Times, I contributed two
letters in the first and last month of that year, which I
shall reproduce with the object of showing who was really
the leading advocate on this subject long before our present
military aeronauts were known or appointed.

I take the following, verbatim, from my scrap-book : —

" Mr. Coxwell, the well-known aeronaut, makes the
following observations on this interesting subject in the
Army and Navy Gazette : —

" The authorities having given due consideration to this
subject, as mentioned in your impression of December 28th,
public opinion is, no doubt, gratified by the intimation, as
it forms one of many proofs that the modern arts and
appliances receive at the present time careful attention at
the War Office, and are properly estimated according to
their merits.

"No sooner had warlike preparations commenced in
England than I made a proposal for the employment of

MY LIFE AND

mIIooiib in Canada. Having stood forward so long in this
ticnlar line of advocacy, I feel enconiaged to find that a
branch of science which has so long been resorted to for
amnsement only, should at length be held worthy of a
^ore dignified and useful application.

" The adoption of balloons in warfare should not alone
le confined to reconnoitring, but to destructive purpoaen as
weU.

" Dr. Lardner, in a letter to The Timea on March Slst,
1859, mentions some chemical compounds of a highly-
wisonous character, which may be used in sheila.

"If ever ballooning should become recognised in
military science, it is most probable that aiirial shells,
raised by balloons, and disunited by means of a fusee, or
by concussion caps, may be used with as much precision
as iron shells thrown from mortars. I have no doubt it
would be possible to drop with tolerable nicety a host of
aerial shells charged with agents calculated to produce
stapefaction, if not fatal effects, and if by this means
prisoners could be made instead of increasing carnage,
I humanity would rejoice at so ingenious a method. —
I January llth, 1862."

I MILITAKY BALLOONS.

I " To the Editor of The Times.

I " Sir,- — In the recent battle in America we again hear

l~of the application of the war balloon.

I " Scientific reconnoitring from an elevated position has

I been within the last four years successfully adopted, both

I in the Old World and the New.

I " The letters which you have done me the honour to

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 15S

publish on this subject may one day be referred to as a
j^oof that constant attention has been called to it by a
practical man and an Englishman, but that it would have
no eflfect until some foreigner or imitator came forward
and carried all before him.

** About this time last year I proposed to the authorities
a series of experiments, to show what might be done with
a balloon in aid of military science.

"I met with little encouragement, however, although
for many years I have studied and pointed out the ways in
which balloons can be employed with advantage.

"In an aerial voyage from Winchester barracks about
three months since I ascertained the opinions of a party of
oflBcers during our transit near Aldershot Camp, and every
one agreed that the utility of balloons for the use proposed
would be immense, and that the idea only required proper
introduction to be weU received.

"Perhaps, Sir, with your valuable aid, the time may
arrive when this passing allusion may lead to beneficial
results.

'* I remain, etc., Henry Coxwell,

'' December 29fA, 1862."

the WINCHESTER ASCENT.
SEVENTY MILES IN SIXTY-SIX MINUTES.

"To the Editor of The Times.

" Sir, — ^A most successful aerial journey has this day
been accomplished from Winchester to Harrow, travelling
at the rate of a mile and more a minute.

** Colonel McDonald and six officers of the Rifle Depot

, 154

MY UFE AND

^H Buttalion accompanied Mr. Goxwell in bis mammoth
^V balloon

' " Before the ascent could be performed groat anxiety

had been felt by all concerned tbe distance from the
gasometer bem^ half a mile, and the last hundred yards of
piping having to be laid above ground through the passageB
to the mnei quadrangle As the pipe was onh four mehes
m di 111 f I tbt hiling had to comm nt it nine t (.lock

THE ASCENT FBOM WINCHESTER.

on Monday morning. The weather was tempestuous, and
strong equinoctial gales blowing from the south-weat,
bringing heavy clouds with rain almost precluded any hope
of our voyage being either pleasant or safe. Owing to the
zeal of Mr. Tinney, the gas manager, who spared no labour'
in providing the 90,000 cubic feet of gas — no ordinary
task — and also to Mr. Coxwell's knowledge of the cbange-i

BALLOON EXPEBIENCES. 155

ableness of the weather, the enterprise was not abandoned.
All the arrangements, made with calculation and fore-
thought by Colonel McDonald, were successfully completed,
every preparation for the convenience of visitors waa
arranged, and the ancient palace of Charles 11. assumed
the appearance of a Boman amphitheatre.

'* Owing to frequent squalls, it was undecided at three
o'clock whether the ascent should be made this day or
postponed. A large crowd was, as usual, clamorous and
foolishly careless of any risk, but it would have had no
effect in inducing Mr. Coxwell *to prqceed,' had not the
sun come out and the heavy clouds dispersed. Then he
decided, and the soldiers, obeying his signals with military
exactness, drew the balloon to the windward side of the
square, and at five minutes past four the rope was let go,
when We instantly rose in a majestic manner, clearing the
corner we had so much feared* by 150 feet, and going
eventually to the height of two miles. By passing over
the Grange (Lord Ashburton's) eight minutes later we
perceived that we were going at the rate of a mile a
minute. The white and broken clouds were on this
occasion between three and four miles from the earth.

** Our direction was E.N.E. We passed AJdershot
Camp two miles to the S.E., Virginia Water a mile to the
N.W., and with great pleasure recognized the friendly
shelter of Harrow Hill for a descent. This, however, we
passed by a mile, and landed in a grass field belonging ta
Mr. Henry Hill. Here in the gentlest manner possible,
the strong wind having suddenly dropped, the grappling
iron anchored us in the centre of the field, and, thanks to

156 UT LFFB iSD

Mr. CoKwell's jndgment, withoat the slightest concasaion.
With the hearty good will of the villagers, and the obliging
sssistance of Mr. HiU, we packed np and. carried the
balloon to the railway Etation. It vas 5.15 when ve
descended, and the distance travelled in one hour and ten
minutes exceeded seventy miles.

" Obediently yours, C. F. T.

" London, October litb,
" N.B. — The party consisted of Colonel McDonald,
Major Newdigate, C. Kanaabottom, W, M. Bnrrell, C.
Fairfield, Hatton Turner of the Prince Consort's own
Eifle Brigade, and J. S. Algar of the 60th Rifles."

MACDONALD S AGCOrST.

" Mr. Coxwell having stated to me that our flight in hia
baUoon from Winchester to Harrow was one of the most
interesting which has been made, I am disposed to oSier
a few additional observations to those of your previous
correspondent.

"He made a slight mifitake in the time in which the
jonmey was performed, the distance being got over in
hour and six minutes — four minutes less than he computed.'

" It being neceBsary to move upwards with great velocity
an additional interest attached to the ascent. The moment
the rope was loosed by our guide, we felt first a gentle
movement, then a bound into space, almost a realisation of
the translation of good men of old- It is hardly possible
to describe how this movement outstripped thought. A
fleeting vision passed the noinds of friends near becoming

Btantly distant, amid the waving of handierchiefs, the

BALLOON EXPEBIENOES. 157

strains of music, and the cheers of the crowd; we were
high in air, however, before we could return these
salutations.

" At this period of our velocity we were moving probably
at the rate of much more than a mile a minute, as our
course described a parabolic curve, the balloon being
moved by two forces — upwards by the dense masses of the
lower air, and northwards by the wind. This pace
gradually lessened till we reached our extreme altitude,
upwards of two miles, when we took the more moderate
rate of about seventy miles an hour, and travelled at the
same elevation, after which we descended in a parabola of
less inflection upon Staines ; this descent was of great
velocity, although the only effect felt by the aeronauts was
the rotation of the balloon slowly. This was rapidly
checked by the delivery of sand, when for some time we
preserved an altitude of about 900 feet; subsequently it
became necessary to ascend to 1000 feet to clear Harrow
Hill with the grapnel, which now hung 100 feet below us,
and was a scale by which we could estimate height, and
our altitude was now gradually lessened until the descent
was accomplished.

" It was interesting to note the difference of the aerial
currents. UntU we passed over Staines, rippled waters
were observable, and we anticipated a rough descent ; near
there, however, some smoke was seen to blow towards the
west although our direction was previously more northerly,
this indicated a different current of wind. After our
descent upon Staines, we noticed our pace was diminished,
and that we were probably moving at the rate of about

MY LIFE AND

thirty-five miles an honr, which p&ce appeared muform
QDtil half- a- minute before tonching grotmd, onder the
shelter of the hill.

London was to be seen, a great bank of fog with
buildings in its ontskirts which we left on oar right.
I onght not to forget to mention a very brilliant effect
produced by the sun strikin g on a dond over the Isle of
Wight. The cloud shone with an intensity equal to
electric light. Nor should I forget our passage over the
femiliar scene of much military pomp in which we had
figured — the great dnst plain and hideous huts of
Aldershot. There a solitary bugle call was detected by
the sharp ears of Mr. Coxwell, who pointed out the vala«
€^ balloons in military reconnaissance.

" At the height of two miles, any mantBnyres upon the
dust plain could have been easily seen. Even troops
secreted behind the reservoir, or in the hollows of Csesaj-'a
Camp, would have been unable to hide from the searching
<iye of the aerostatic observer."

A STEP IN THE BIGHT DIRECTION.

There can be no two opinions that although this
*emarkable journey was of a non-official character, still
the utterances of Colonel MacDonald must have entitled
his remarks to great weight, considering his services in the
Crimea and elsewhere. The Colonel being accompanied
too by brother officers who supported bira in his outspoken
conviction as to the value of the balloon for military
objects, this experience helped vastly to fm-ther my oft
repeated suggestions, and it will be seen that it was not
iry long before I was called upon in conjunction with

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 159

Captain F, Beaumont, and Lieutenant Groyer, to make
the first military ascents from Aldershot Camp and
Woolwich Arsenal.

THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION AT CAMBRIDGE.

The London Review, in alluding in humorous terms to
this meeting on October 11th, 1862, stated that it was
remarkably deficient in lions. '* The lady associates had
few or no celebrities to gaze upon, and were forced to
content themselves with people who have been seen every-
where for years — good steady folk, who wear well, like
Mrs. Primrose's wedding gown, or with a few specimens of
the miserable class of men who v)ere lions a season or two
hack, and are now passed by.

**M. du Chaillu attended the geographical section, and M.
Simonides exhibited some recently discovered manuscripts.

** The nearest approach to the genuine lion was, perhaps,
Mr. Glaisher, whose narrative of his balloon ascents
attracted a crowd to the Hall of Sidney, Sussex College,
and secured for him and the intrepid Coxwell (led forward
by Colonel Sykes) immense applause."

The Cambridge University Journal gave a three-column
report of the lecture. " In section A," it said, '* Mr. Glaisher
read an intensely interesting paper upon eight balloon
ascents (for scientific purposes) which he made in company
with Mr. Coxwell this summer." But the opening remarks
are all that I shall refer to, as much of the meteorological
parts have been previously introduced. The following
extracts are, however, fresh.

** All philosophical enquiries carried on or near the
sorfEUse of the earth are of necessity fully within its

160 MY LIFE 4ND

inflnence, and consequently within the inflaence of many
disturbing cauaes. By no other means than the use of the
balloon can we free ourselvea from these distnrbing
influences. Let us consider what sciences must be thereby
benefited, chemistry probably, magnetism certainly, and
meteorology and astronomy. When we regard the
inflnenee which a clear sky or a cloudy one exercises upon
the temperatare, and so upon our comfort and well-being
generally, we see the importance of cultivating an
acquaintance with the higher regions and increasing our
knowledge of aerial phenomena.

" Three of the ascents were made from Wolverhampton,
four from the Crystal Palace, Sydenham, and one from.
Mill Hill, near Hendon, where the balloon had fallen the
night previously, and where Mr. CosweU wished to keep
it, 30 that we could witness Sunrise the nest morning, and
then go to a greater height than on the previous evening.

"By half-past four next morning we again left the
earth on August 2l9t, and there were in the car beaidea
Mr. Coxwell and myself. Captain Percival and my aons.
At 4.57 we were in a cloud surrounded by white mist.
The light rapidly increased, and gradually we emerged
from the dense cloud to a basin surrounded by imnienae
black mountains of cloud far above us, and shortly
afterwards we were looking into deep ravines of grand
proportions, bounded by beautiful curved lines. By 5.31
WG were somewhat less than three miles high, at which
elevation we continued about half-an-hour. We gently
leached the ground at Dunton Lodge, near Biggleswade.

" The principle conclusions adduced from these obser-

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 161

yations are that the temperature of the air does not
decrease uniformly with the height above the earth's
sur&ce, and that consequently more elucidation upon this
point is required, particularly in its influence on the law
of refraction ; that an aneroid barometer can be made to
read correctly certainly to the first place, and probably
to the second place of decimals to a pressure as low as
five inches; that the humidity of the atmosphere does
decrease with the height with a wonderful increasing
ratio, till at heights exceeding five miles the amount of
aqueous vapour in the atmosphere is very small indeed ;
that we now can answer the question that observations
can be made as completely in the balloon as on the
earth ; that at heights exceeding four miles they cannot
be made quite so well, because of the personal distress
of the observer ; that at five miles high it requires the
exercise of a strong will to make them at all, that no
one who has heart disease or pulmonary complaints should
attempt four miles high. But at the same time it must
be bom in mind that the balloon is properly handled.

" It has been fortunate for the Association and for
myself that we have the assistance of Mr. Coxwell ; he
has the experience of more than 400 ascents, based upon
knowledge of natural philosophy, and knows the why and
because of all his operations, and it was this fact, which
I saw immediately from the clearness of his explanations
to me for each operation, that enabled me to dismiss from
my mind all thoughts of my position, and to concentrate
my whole energies upon my duties. In conclusion I feel
certain that if these experiments fi:om the balloon are

163 UY LIFE AKD

available for philosophical research, one of the brightest
lin^ in the long chain of nsefol works, performed
throngh the agency of the Association, will be thfr
proving that the balloon in proper hands, may be made
a powerfol philosophic agent."

ASCENT FBOH THE CBTBTAL PALACE,

April l»th, 1863:
UB. glaisheb's accoukt.
" In this ascent the balloon was partially filled daring
the evening of April 17th, with the view of starting early
the following morning. The atmosphere was at this time
thick and misty: the wind on the earth was N£., bnt
pilot balloons on attaining a moderate elevation fell into
a north corrent. The wind was moving at an estimate
Telocity of forty miles an hour, and the ascent was delayed
honr after honr, with the hope that the upper current
wonid change to \.E. At Ih., when the sky was nearly
covered with clouds, and there were occasional gleams of
Bonshine, the ascent was decided npon, althongh it was
evident it coold not be one of long dnration, imless the
wind changed its direction, or we resolved to cross the
Channel, Whilst discussing this, the rope, oar only
connecting link with the earth broke, and at Ih. 17m.
we started very unceremoniously, the balloon making a
great lurch as it rose ; I was thi-own amoug my instrn-
ments, and unfortunately both Daniell's and Regnault'a
hygrometers were broken. Within three minntes we were
more than 3,000 feet high. At 4,000 feet, cumnlns
clouds were on our level, and a thick mist rested every-
where on the earth. At Ih. 26m. we were 7,000 feet

BALLOON EXPEBIENGES. 163

high, in a thick mist which almost amounted to a fog.
The temperature of the air continued at nearly 32*, whilst
that of the dew-point increased several degrees. On
passing out of the cloud these two temperatures very
suddenly separated, the la,tter decreasing rapidly ; the sky
was of a deep blue, without a cloud on its surface. At
Ih. 30m. we were 10,000 feet high; directly under us
was a sea of clouds. The towers of the Crystal Palace
were visible, and by them we found we were moving south.

" The temperature before starting was 61°; it decreased
to 32"" on reaching the clouds, and continued at this point
whilst in them ; but suddenly fell to 23 J° on leaving the
cloud, and was either less or the same at every successive
reading till we reached the height of 20,000 feet, where
the lowest temperature was recorded. In passing above
four miles the temperature increased to 14 J°, and then
declined to 12J° at the highest point, viz., 24,000 feet
at one hour and thirteen minutes after starting.

*' When we were just four miles high, on descending, we
began to reflect that possibly we might have been moving
more quickly than we expected, and it was necessary to
descend till we could see the earth below. The valve was
opened rather freely at 2h. 34m., and we fell a mile in
three minutes. We descended quickly, but less rapidly,
through the next mile, and reached the clouds at 12,000
feet from the earth, at 2h. 42m. On breaking through
them at 2h. 44m., still 10,000 feet from the earth, I was
busy with my instruments, when I heard Mr. Coxwell
exclaim, * What's that?' He had caught sight of Beachy
Head. I looked over the car^ and the sea seemed to be

164 MY LIFE AKD

^B under us. Mr. Coxwell again exclaimed, ' There's not a

^1 moment to spare ; we mast save tlie land at all risks.

Leave the instruments.' Mr, Coxwell almost hung to the

valve-line, and told me to do the same, and not to mind it

I cutting my band. It was a bold decision, opening the
valve in this way, and it was boldly carried out.
" When a mile high, the earth seemed to be coming up
to ue. There were two rents in the balloon, cut by t
valve-line ; these we conld not heed. Up, ap, the eartii
appeared to come, the fields momentarily enlarging ; and
we struck the earth at 2h. 48m. at Newhaven, veiy near tie
sea— of course with a great crash, but the balloon by the
very free use of the valve-line had been crippled and never
rosB again, or even dragged us from the spot on which we
fell. Nearly all the iDatrnmentg were broken, and to mj
great regret three very delicate and beautiM tliermometera
specially sent to me by M. A. L'Abbadie for these obset-
vations, were all smashed. I was fortnnate, however
seizing and placing in my pocket the aneroid barometer,
which had been up with me in every high ascent. It wfl»
^ this instrument that Mr, Coxwell had read when )
^b were seven miles high, and I at the time in a state of
^M insensibility.

^B " The diagram shows the patli of the balloon. Fro'

H this, it will be seen, that the ascent was gradual from
H 16,000 feet to the highest point, and there was sufBcient
^M time for the instrnments to attain the true temperature.
^M We were above four miles for half an honr, not passing
^B above 24,000 feet. On passing below four miles it would
^B seem that the drop to three miles was nearly a straight

V .----

iS'

i.i

■^•i

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 165

line^ and the next mile, though occupying a little more
time, was passed quickly. The position of the clouds was
fortunately very high, as is shown on the diagram, which
likewise indicates the very rapid descent of two miles in
four minutes. The whole time of descending the four
miles and a quarter was about a quarter of an hour only.
The diagram will speak to the eye more forcibly than
language, showing as it does our close proximity to the sea,
and the narrow escape from such a dangerous immersion."

UNEXPECTED SCIENTIFIC RESULTS.
REPORT BY MR. GLAISHER.

" In the ascent from Wolverton on June 26th, 1863, as
described in my * Travels in the Air,' the Directors of the
North Western Eailway Company provided the gas, and
gave every facility to members of the Committee of the
British Association and their friends to be present. The
gasometers at Wolverton were too small to hold gas
enough to fill the balloon, it was therefore partly inflated
the night before, and remained out all night without being
influenced by the slightest wind. The morning of the
ascent was also calm, and the sky of a deep blue, implying
the presence of but little vapour. The atmosphere was
bright and clear, and all the circumstances were of the
J^aost promising kind. The hour of ascent was fixed to
take place some little time after the arrival of the express
train from London, or at a little after noon ; and the filling
^as somewhat delayed, the extraordinary fineness of the
JJttoming promising its completion in a short time.
Between eleven and twelve all these favourable circum-
stances changed : the sky became covered with clouds, and

1 1

166 MY LIFE AND

some of them of a stonny character. The wIe
blew strongly, the balloon lurched a great d
difficulty was experienced in passing the g]
balloon, and sufficient could not be passed
o'clock. The wind was momentarily increas
became very desirable to be away. The greate
was experienced in fixing the instruments, and
in great danger of being broken by the violent
the balloon, and the incessant striking of the c
ground, notwithstanding the exertions of fifty ]
it fast.

** At the time of our departure the spring
jammed so tight by the pressure of the wind tl
not act, and we were let free by the simultanec
of the men, and had to part instantly with ball
striking fidjacent buildings.

" It was three minutes after one when we lef
with a strong W.S.W. wind ; the temperatu:
four minutes we were 4000 feet high, and ent(
with a temperature of 50°, experiencing a n
feeling of cold. As on all previous occasions,
soon to break through the clouds into a floO'
sunlight, with a beautiful blue sky, without a i
us, and with seas of rocky clouds below. ]
contrary, when we emerged, it was dark and di
us there were clouds.

*'At 9000 feet high we heard the sighing,
moaning of the wind as preceding a storm ;
first time that I had heard such a sound in th
satisfied ourselves that it was in no way attribut

167

movement of the cordage about tho balloon, but that it
was owing to conflicting cnrrcnta of air beneath. At this
time we saw the son very faintly, and momentarily expected
its brQliancy to increase, bat instead of this, although wa
now were two miles high, we entered a fog, and entirely lost
sight of the Monarch of the Heavens. Shortly afterwards
fine rain fell upon ua. Then we entered a dry fog, and at
12,000 feet passed out of it ; saw the aun again faiutly for
a short time, and then entered a wetting fog. At 15,000
feet we were still in fog, but it was not so wetting. At
16,000 feet we entered a ivy fog ; at 17,000 feet saw faint
gleams of the sun, and at the same height we heard a
train. We were now about three miles high. Ah we
looked around there were clouds below us, others on our
level at a distance, and yet more above. We looked with
astonishment at each other, and said that as we were
rising steadily we ranst surely soon pass through them.

" At 17,600 feet we were again enveloped in fog, which
became wetting at 18,500 feet. We left this cloUd below
at 19,600 feet. At 20,000 feet the aun was just visible.
We were now approaching four miles high ; clouds, dense
clondB, were still above us ; for a space of 2,000 to 3,000
feet we met with no fog, but on passing above four miles
high, our attention was attracted to a dark mass of cloud,
and then to another on our level. Both these clouds had
fringed edges, and were unmistakably nimbi. Without
the slightest doubt they were both rain clouds. Whilst
looking at them we again lost sight of everything, being
fflveloped in fog whilst passing upwards through 1,000 feet.
!2,000 feet we again emerged, and were above clouds

i. J

168 MY LIPE AND

I ,
» I

' ■ I.

on passing above 23,000 feet. At six minutes
heard a railway train ; the temperature here ^
still wished to ascend to find the limits of this ^
!Mr. Coxwell knew better, and I was met with s
* Too short of sand. I cannot go higher ; w£
even stop here.' I was therefore most reluctantly
to abandon the wish, and looked searchingly ar
this highest point, in close proximity to us, were rt
below us, dense fog. I was again reminded thf
not stop here. With a hasty glance everywhc
below, all around, I saw the sky nearly covered
clouds of a stratus character, with cirri still h
small spaces of faint blue sky between them ; th
not the blue of four or five miles high, as 1 1
seen it before, but a faint blue, as seen from
whon the air is charged with moisture.

'* Hastily gLuiciiig over tlio whole scene, the
extensive, fine, or picturesque view, as in such s
had always before seen. The visible area wa
the atmosphere was murky ; the clouds were con
the aspect everywhere dull.

'* I cannot avoid expressing the surprise I li
the extraordinary power which a situation like
forth, when it is felt that a few moments or
devoted to note down all appearances and all circ
at these extreme positions ; and if not thus rapid
they are lost for ever. In such situations every fi
of the most trivial kind is noticed ; the eye
become keener, the brain more active, and e
increased in power to meet the necessities of

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 169

and afterwards, when time has elapsed, it is wonderful how
distinctly, at any moment, scenes so witnessed can be
recalled and made to reappear mentally in all their details,
so vividly, that had I the power of the painter I could
reproduce them visibly to the eye upon canvas.

"We then began our downward journey, wondering
whether we should meet the same phenomena. Soon we
were enveloped in fog, but passed below it when at 22,000
feet, and then we saw the sun faintly. At 20,000 feet we
were in a wetting fog, and passed beneath it at 19,500 feet,
experiencing great chilliness; fog was then above and
below. I now wished to ascend into the fog again to
check the accuracy of my readings as to its temperature,
and the reality of the chill we had felt. This we did ;
the temperature rose to its previous reading, and fell again
on descending.

'* For the next 1000 feet we passed down through a
thick atmosphere, but not in cloud or fog. At the height
of 18,000 feet we were again in fog. At three miles high
we were still in fog, and on passing just below three miles
rain fell pattering on the balloon. This was one mile
higher than we experienced rain on the ascent, but it was
much heavier. On passing below 14,000 feet, and for a
space of nearly 5000 we passed through a beautiful snowy
scene. There were no flakes in the air — the snow was
entirely composed of spiculaB of ice, of cross spiculsB at
angles of GO"*, and an innumerable number of snow crystals,
small in size, but distinct and of well-known forms, easily
recognizable as they fell and remained on the coat. This
unexpected meeting with snow on a summer afternoon was

170 MY L.IFE AND

b11 that waa needed on this occasion to complete the
experience of the characteristics of extreme heat of sununer
with the cold of winter within the range of a few hours.
On passing helow the snow, which we did when about
10,000 feet from the earth, we entered a murky atmosphere,
which continued till we reached the gi-onnd ; indeed, bo
thick and misty was the lower atmosphere, that although
we passed nearly over Ely Cathedral we were unable to sea
it. When 5000 feet high, we were without sand, and
simply became a falling body, rapidity being checked by
throwing the lower part of the balloon into the shape of
a parachute. The place of descent was in a field on
the borders of the counties of Cambridge and Norfolk,
twenty miles from the mouth of the Wash, and eight
miles fi'om Ely.

" This Wolyerton ascent must rank among the moat
extraordinary of my series, giving scientific data of great
interest and results most unexpected. The leading features
will most readily be seen by looking at the diagram, on
which the black line shows the path of the balloon, and He
figures near to it the temperature of the air, which will be
observed to decrease from 65" to 18" at the highest point,
and to increase to 66° again on descending to the earth.
By following the path clouds will be seen to be reached at
4000 feet, and above this an attempt hns been made to
show to the eye at a glance the varying strata and their
situations through which we passed. The bent arrows in;
the ascending track are placed where we heard the moaning
of the wind. The faint shading just above is where wft
saw the sun, and momentarily expected to come within its

BALLOON EXPEBIENOES. 171

influence. The rain which fell at 10,000 feet, the partially
clear spaces and those of more or less dense fog in the
ascent to the highest point, and the appearance of the. sky
there, are clearly seen in the diagram, as well as the place
of re-ascension in the downward journey to which I have
referred. The clear spaces are those where we were out of
fog at 14,000 feet. At a lower level will be seen the
snowstorm of 5000 feet in thickness, and below that the
thick and misty atmosphere till the earth was reached."

ilY LIFE AND

CHAPTER IX.

COASTING IN A

f Letter from Mr. Hatton Tumor to the Editor of The Timet.

'N a former occasion you did me the honour to
insert an account of a balloon trip till then the
moat rapid on record ; and I now hope that you
may again find room in the valnahle space of your journal
account of a trip made yesterday by Mr. Glaisber
■and Mr. Coxwell, in which, by thoir kind penniasion,
another gentleman and myself were allowed to join.

Having previously obtained the knowledge, from
observation of the clouds and a paper-pilot, that the
lower current was flowing almost due west, while the
upper was from north to south, we rose quietly from the
Crystal Palace at 4.46 p.m.

" Mr. Glaisber, with a variety of instruments surrounding
him, commenced at once hia observations, which I hope
may be published. The lower current carried us towards
London, and we almost hoped to back Eton with our
cheers, but unfortunately we reached the upper current,
and were caiTied slowly past Croydon, where we observed
tents, and a large concourse. We passed immediately
over a beautiful park near Epsora, which Mr, Glaisber
photographed. We crossed the South-Eastern Railway,

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 173

between Bnckland and Beigate town. Here the rail,
following the curves of the chalk-hills and Bletchworth,
drew attention. Between this and Horsham we attained
our greatest elevation, not much over a mile, as we wished
to go distance, not height, hoping to cross the Channel ;
but the sluggishness of the atmosphere disappointed us.
After once enjoying the pleasures of seeing the fields
contracting, we allowed them to expand, and remained
at a lower altitude. Passing immediately over Horsham,
Mr. Glaisher took another photograph. We saw the sea,
and from the inlet perceived that we were going straight
for New Shoreham.

" * The sea looks tempting,' we all exclaimed ; but,
alas ! it was seven o'clock, and our pace not rapid, so
this must be postponed.

"Mr. Coxwell drops us into the lower current, and we
coast about five miles from the shore, at not more than
1500 feet, and sometimes only 600 feet from the ground.
Nothing could be more enjoyable. Villagers shouting
to us to come down, and occasionally answering our
questions ; the cheery cries of children ; sheep flocking
on the downs, not knowing which way to go; geese
cackling and scuttling off to the farms, other birds
remaining in trees ; while a pack of hounds was in the
wildest excitement within their kennels, trying to get
out. We passed immediately over the parks of Arundel
and Dale, hearing the pheasants crowing as they went
to roost.

"Mr. Coxwell thought at this time of crossing the
Solent, and landing in the Isle of Wight; but the

r 174 UT UFE AND

H'Viiid getting a little more southerly, and Imowitig the

B iDConyenieDce of the couDtry near Portsmouth for landing

H vhen dark, we took advantage of an open piece of grass near

H the house at Goodwood, and descended eoou after 8 p^n.

H " Mr. Coxwell, after throwing a rope to a cricket«i,

H lajided ne bo gently that wg could not have crushed s

f daisy. We were afterwards drawn hy a rope to the front

of the house, for the benefit of a few gazers. I hod

hoped that Mr, Coxwell would here tether his balloon

and continue our journey next day ; but it was Sunday,

and Bo he Tesolved to pack it up ; otherwise, the upper

current being again north, our wishes might this day

lave been happily accomplished.

" Our thanks ai-e due to Captain Valentine, and other
good people there assembled, for the assistance they gave
us in packing np.

" Chichester, July 12th, 1863."

MOBE INFORMATION ABOUT RAIN OBTAINED.
REPOET BY MB. GLAI8HEB.

" The weather on July 21st, 1863, was bad, the sky
overcast and rainy. Although in every respect a
-thoroughly bad day, it was well suited to a particular
purpose I had in view, viz., to investigate, if possible,
some points concerning the formation of rain in the clouds
themselves ; to determine why a much larger amount of
rain is collected in a gauge near the surface of the earth
than in one placed at an elevation in the same locality, and
whether during rain the air is saturated completely ; or,
if not, to what extent ; also to discover the regulating

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 176

causes of a rainfall, which sometimes occurs in large
drops, at others in minute particles.

'^ So long back as the years 1842 and 1848 I made
many experiments in order to ascertain why so great a
-diflference in volume was found to exist in the water
collected at lower stations as compared with that collected
at higher.

" The experiments which yielded the best results were
those in relation to temperature.

** I always found that when the rain was warm, with
respect to the temperature of the air at the time, no
difference existed in the quantities of rain collected at
different heights ; but when the temperature of the rain
was lower than the temperature of the air, a considerable
difference existed.

** From this circumstance it would appear probable that
the difference in the quantities of rain collected at
different heights is owing (at least in part) to the great
condensation of the vapour in the lower atmosphere,
through being in contact with the relatively cold rain.

** In this ascent I desired to confirm or otherwise
Mr. Green's deductions.

** This gentleman, believing that whenever a fall of rain
happens from an overcast sky, there will invariably be
found to exist another stratum of cloud at a certain
elevation above the first ; I determined, if I found it so; to
measure the space between them and the thickness of the
upper stratum, and to ascertain whether the sun was
shining on its upper surface.

'^ We left the earth at 4h. 52m., and in ten seconds had

ttl UFE AND

WcGoded into the miat ; in twenty seconds, to a level with
t&e cloads, but not tlirough them. At the height of 1,200
feet, we passed out of this rain.

" At the height of 2,800 feet we emerged from clondsi
ftnd saw a stratum of darker clond above; we then
descended to 800 feet, over the West India Docks, and

V rain falling heavily upon the earth. None fell upon

) balloon ; that which we saw, therefore, had its origfli
within 800 feet of the ground.

" We ascended again, and this time passed upwards
through fog, 1,400 feet in thickness.

At 3,300 feet we were again out of cloud, and once
more saw the dark stratum at a distance above ; clouds
obscured the earth below.

" On descendiug, at 2,700 feet we entered a diy fog, but
it became wetting 100 feet lower down. After passing
through 600 feet of it, the clouds became more and more
wetting, and below were intensely black.

"At 5h. 28m., we were about 700 feet high, or about
500 feet above Epping Forest, and heard the noise of the
rain pattering upon the trees.

" Again we ascended to 2,000 feet ; then through squalls
of rain and wind descended to 200 feet, the rain-diops
being as large as a fourpenny piece, the same as when we
left the earth.

" On reaching the earth, we found that rain had been
falling heavily all the time we were in the air.

" Thus this journey gave more information about rain

kthan we ever before had gained, and which could be
btained by means of the balJoou alone."

BALLOON EXPEBIENCES. 177

BALLOON SUBVEY OF POBTSMOUTH AND THE

ISLE OF WIGHT.

My recent aerial reconnaissance at Aldershot having been
witnessed by Mr. Brown, the proprieter of the Portsmouth
Becreation Grounds, an application was made to me by that
gentleman with the view of ascertaining whether I would
attempt any experiment of a similar character at this
famous seaport. When I had explained the nature of my
engagement at Aldershot, and that it was in compliance
with Government orders, Mr. Brown decided to have a
public ascent. I agreed to make it on one or two conditions :
— ^firstly, that it should take place if the wind was fair for the
Isle of Wight, secondly, that I would oflfer no objection if
I could even skirt the coast or proceed somewhat inland.

As it was doubtful whether my balloon, the ** Evening
Star," could be filled, I borrowed a small one from Mr.
Youens, and it was well filled by the appointed hour — 7
o'clock, the wind at that time being fresh from the west-
ward, which occasioned much doubt as to whether I would
make the ascent or not.

Belying upon the careful observations I had previously
made with chart, compass and pilot balloons, and allowing
for local variations, I left the North-end Gardens at 7.15,
with full confidence as to my probable course. The scene
which opened out in the space of five minutes, was alto-
gether novel. Instead of the widespread landscape so
flBuiiiliar to aerial voyagers, with its variegated surface of
green and brown fields, I now had a commanding view of a
beautiful island and of a town and harbour so smTounded

1T8 mt life and

water, with the Channel "beyond, that, had it not been
for the reliance I had in the direction of the wind,
I should have fancied that I wan hkely to he blown awaj
dno south, and to drift out to sea. Although I was
provided with an excellent barometer and thermometer,
ented to me by Mr. Glaisher, I had very litUe
f^portnnity of using them frequently, and I felt how
TuluaUe Ml. Olaisher's presence would have been in
the car.

What most engaged my own attention was a general sni-
Tey of the town, fortifications, and shipping, from a military
point of view. I was agreeably surprised to find the
atmosphere being clear, how well I could perceive and count
tiie cannon mounted on the ramparts ; the ships conid easily
be distinguiehed, and there waa no di£Qcnlty in finding from
port-holea, their relative sizes, whether coivettea, frigates,
or hne-of-battle ships. The bold and leading features of
Portsmouth as a naval and military stronghold, might have
fceen canvassed in an interesting manner, had I had
companions, instead of being alone.

I very soon satisfied myself most thoroughly as to the
extent of objects visible to the naked eye and to an ordinary
lasion assisted by a common opera glass. At 7.35, baro-
meter 26,6, thermometer 46., I saw through a glass the
Tisitors on Ryde pier promenading. The distance could
not have been leas than seven or eight miles. I observed,
also, marines or soldiers of the line in front of a goard-
hoase, and several steamers between Gosport and Sonthsea
Caatle. Being soon over the water, I had to withdrai

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 179

attention and look ahead, as a more Boutherly breeze began
to alter my course.

As the shades of evening came, I found I was making for
several extensive woods on high ground between Singleton
and Arundel. As I crossed the first wood, a large meteor
shot over the balloon from an easterly direction, another
quickly following ; and although I relied upon their
supposed altitude, and felt personal security, yet I could
not but compare my situation to that of a ship which
receives a shot or two across her bows, or perhaps a 241b.
rocket, as a warning to heave-to or alter her course in
obedience to the dictates of an enemy.

The late hour of the night, and the high ground upon
which Nore Wood is situated, compelled me to cast anchor
among several tall beech trees. Indeed, I had to let oflf
gas and leave the balloon suspended all night before I
secured and packed it up. At daylight, several gentlemen
volunteered to assist me, and we proceeded at 5 o'clock to
the place of descent with ropes, ladders and hatchets,
ready to lop off boughs or fell a tree, if necessary, rather
than injure the balloon.

I was obliged to return to terra firma down a tree at
least sixty feet from the ground. In the morning, the
balloon had quietly slid down through the boughs, and was
not in any way damaged.

The magnificent and complete bird's-eye view I had of
the Isle of Wight, would occupy too much space and time
to describe. My voyage on August 11th, 1863, was most
exciting and in many respects peculiar, differing, as it did,
firom previous trips.

180 MY LIFE AND

EXCHANGE OF NATIONAL CODRTESIEB, ON OCTOBER 9th, 1863,
ACCOUHT BT «K. GliAlSHER.

" The place, from whicli we ascended was the Crystal
Palace. There were iu the car besides Mr, Coxweil and
myself, the Hon. Robert J. Walker, M.A., Councillor at
Law in the Supreme Court of the United States, and latff
Secretary of the Treasury, Governor of Kansas, &c., also'
Pliny Miles, Esq. from America, and Mr. Rowe, together
with Count Schaffgotsch, who came over to see Mr.
Coxweil, having ascended with him previously in Germany.

"The healths of our respective sovereigns were given,
viz., our Queen, the Emperor of Austria, and the President
of the United States,

" Then the Hon. Mr, Walker gave the toast, ' May
England and America be always at peace.' These toasts
were celebrated when wo were 7,000 feet high, and directly
over London Bridge.

" The scene around was probably one that cannot bfl
equalled in the world with one glance — the homea of
8,000,000 of people were seen, and so distinctly, that every
large building at every part was easily distinguished, wliile
those almost under us, viz., the Bank and Newgate, lie
docks, and surrounding buildings, &c., in such detail that
their inner courts were visible, so that their ground plana
could have been drawn. Cannon Street, leading to St.
Paul's, was easily traced ; it was difficult to believe at first,
that that small building was St, Paul's. Looking onwards,
Oxford Street was visible, the Parks, the Houses of
Parliament, and Millbank Prison, with its radiating linea
from the centre, at once attracted notice. In fact, the

BALLOON EXPEBIENOES. 181

whole of London was visible, and some parts of it very
clearly so. Then all around there were lines of detached
villas, imbedded, as it were, in abundance of shmbs, and
beyond, the country, like a garden, with its fields well
marked, becoming smaller and smaller as the eye wandered
farther and further away.

" Again, looking down, there was the Thames, without
the slightest mist, with all its winding course throughout
its whole length, with innumerable ships apparently very
long and narrow, and steam-boats like moving toys;
Gravesend was visible, as were the mouth of the Thames
and the coast leading on to Norfolk. The southern boun-
dary of the mouth of the Thames was not quite so clear,
but the sea beyond was seen for many miles ; and when
higher up I looked for the coast of France, but I could not
see it. On withdrawing the eye, it was arrested by the
garden-like appearance of the county of Kent, till again
London claimed yet more general attention ; smoke thin
and blue, was curling above it and slowly moving away in
beautiful curves, from all but that part south of the Thames,
here the smoke was less blue and became apparently more
dense ; the cause was soon evident, for it was plain that
it was mixed with mist rising from the ground, the southern
limits of which were bounded by an even line, doubtless
indicating the meeting of the subsoils of gravel and clay.

'* The whole of the scene was surmounted by a canopy of
blue, the sky being quite clear and free from cloud every-
where, excepting near the horizon, where a circular band of
cumuli and strata clouds, extending all round, formed a
fitting boundary for such a scene. The sun was seen

MY UFE AND

H 182

^B Betting, but was not itself visible, except a small part, wliicb
^M seen throagh & break in a dark strains cloud, looked like
^H an eje over-seeing all.
^H "Thesunset, as seen from the earth, was described as fine,

^ the air being clear and shadows sharply defined ; bnt as we

rose, the golden hues decreased in intensity, and at tkis

I time ejaculations escaped from all the occupants of the cur.

I" Both Mr, Walker and Mr. Miles have seen the suiiBets
of the far west, and they expressed themselves as dbtm
having witnessed anything so rich and picturesque. The
richness of these colours decreased in intensity both right
and left of the place of the sun, but their effects estfinded
to fully one-fourth part of the circle, where rose-coloai
clouds limited the scene. The remainder of the circle was
completed by pure white eumuluB elonds of very rounded
and symmetrical forms.
" I have seen London from above by night, and I have
Sfen it by day when four miles high, but nothing coold
exceed the view on this occasion at the height of one
mile, varying to one mile and three quarters, with a cleu
atmosphere. The roar of London, even at the greatfirt
height, was one nnceasing rich and deep sound, and added
interest to the general circumstances in which we were
placed. My attention was of necessity constantly required
at the insti'uments, and my notes upon general views were
very hastily made, the descriptions being, therefore,
necessarily imperfect, but Mr. Miles took notes on thil
occasion, and I hope the public may have the ben^t
of them.

" I have received several communications from gentlemen

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 183

who saw the balloon from Hyde Park, Oxford Street, and
Deptford, in fact at points separated from each other by
several miles, stating that the balloon was in their respective
zeniths, indicating how few persons really looked directly
overhead, and also how little confidence can be placed
in estimated observations, particularly those made near
the zenith.

" After six o'clock I watched the increasing blackness
over the earth, the lighting-up of the villages and towns,
the vanishing of the boundaries of fields, the distinct
visibility of the first star, and circumstances generally, till
on nearing the earth Mr. Coxwell provided me, as No. 1,
with a bag of sand to discharge when number one should
be called out, the Count Schaffgotsch with number two,
i^nd Mr. Miles with number three. On nearing the earth
number one obeyed by emptying his bag, and we touched
the earth on one side of a high thorn hedge. " No more
sand, we shall rise nicely," and rise we did, hopped over
the hedge into the next field, and slid along till the grapnel
caught in the hedge we had just passed over, and our
journey was ended. Vivid lightning almost immediately
played, at first startling Mr. Coxwell, who exclaimed,
* What's that ! ' fearing the vicinity of a light near the
gas escaping from the balloon.

** Our place of descent was Pinton Grange, on the boun-
daries of the counties of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, at
the farm of Mr. Joseph Lake, t^io was present.

*' There, and in fact always far from London, we met
with much willing assistance, but near the metropolis
little aid is given willingly, and the descent of the balloon

}

J64 MY UFB AND

H is made n pretext for as mach ostortioti as Mr. Coswell will

H pat Qp with. This was the case on this occasion, when tiro

H gnineas were required for carrying the balloon four or fire

H milen ; what was paid I know not. One exception I mast

make to this, in the case of Mr. James King, who Mndlj

drove me and the Hon. Mr. Walker from Pinton to Hitchin,

for which onr thanks are due."

A BALLOON BLTIVEY OF THE BRITISH ARMY, 1863.

Valuable papers on thisBubject by Lieutenant G. GroTer,
E.E., and by Captain F. Eeaamont, R.E-, were read at
Chatham in the year 1862, and are folly recorded in
" Astra Castra,"

Captain Beaumont observed in 1863, " Since writing
the above mentioned papers, an experiment had been
carried out under the direction of the Ordnance Select
Committee, an acconnt of which is subjoined.

" On the question being brought before the Committee,
the points they wished to estabhsh were, first, that the
fact of being able to overlook a tract of country from a
great elevation really conveyed the advantagi
represented to do, and secondly, that there was nothing
in the abstract situation which made it impracticable to
reconnoitre from the car of a balloon,

"With this object only in view, an ordinary hallooa
inflated with coal gas would sufGce ; for, though unfitted
for the purposes of a reconnaissance, still by choosing ft
calm day it could be employed. Arrangements weifl
therefore made for the use of one of Mr. Coxwell's
balloons, the necessary guy-ropes, gas, &c., being provideJ
by Government. Aldershat was the place appointed for

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 185

the ascent, as the gas-works happened to be conveniently
situated, and, being a camp, there would be no difficulty
in obtaining the concurrence of the military.

" The Authorities at the Horse Guards sent down orders
to Aldershot, that on a suitable day for the ascent the
troops should be marched out in different directions, so
that the value of the balloon as a point of observation,
could be practically determined.

" The first day appointed proved too boisterous, and the
experiment was put off till the 13th July, 1863.

"A field day, however, for the Prince of Wales being
fixed for the day after, the ascent took place on Tuesday
the 14th. This so far modified the experiment, that no
observations could be made on troops at the extreme
distance at which it was anticipated they would be visible
from the balloon.

" The inflation was completed before eight o'clock in
the morning, as the ropes and men being new to their
tasks it was considered advisable that a few preliminary
ascents should be made. The balloon was carried to
Thorn-hill, some 300 yards from the gasworks, where the
ascents were made.

" Three guy-ropes were used, one of which, stronger
than the other two, was passed through a snatch-block
fixed to the ground. The ropes were manned by a party
of engineers entirely new to the work. No difficulty was
experienced in either raising or lowering the balloon, the
latter operation being done in about fifteen minutes from
the height of 1000 feet, the balloon remaining for upwards
of an hour-and-a-half hovering over the camp. It was

186 MY LIFE AND

raised and lowered at pleasure to enable the obsenrers to
be changed, and made some eight or ten ascents before it
finally left the ground /or its free flight.

''As to the practical results obtained, the experiment
afforded no criterion of the difficulty, or otherwise, of
inflation on active service, where the gasometers would
have to be carried, or, of the amount of stability a captive
balloon might be capable of attaining. It was shown,
however, that the transport of a balloon when filled was
simple, and that it could be easily raised or lowered. A
tract of country altogether unseen firom the ground below
was brought under observation, and the movements of
troops on the top of Caesar's Camp, otherwise oiU of sight,
were clearly discernible. From the top of Thorn-hill, the
range of hills known as the Hog Edge, of which CsBsar's
Camp is a part or adjunct, bounded the horizon on that
side at a distance of somewhat less than two miles. From
the elevation of 1000 feet such a boundary no longer
existed, the slopes of the opposite sides of the hills even
being visible ; in fact, an efiective horizon of twenty miles
diameter was obtained — that is, no large movement of
troops could take place within a radius of ten miles with-
out being seen.

" The day of the ascent was very still, exceptionally so,
and how far it may be possible to overcome the difficulties
which arise when the air is in motion, can only be
determined by experiment.

" My own idea, however, is, that with a properly con-
structed apparatus, balloon reconnaissances may be made
in a wind moving at any rate up to twenty miles per hour.

BALLOON EXPEBIENOES. 187

" The higher the wind, the less would, of course, he the
altitude attained ; however, a height of even 200 feet is
more than the spires of most churches — points of
obBervation eagerly sought for when on the march in aa
enemy's country.

**It would appear, therefore, that, under certain cir-
cumstances, the balloon affords means to an a.rmy of
carrying with it a lofty point of observation ; and, so far
as this experiment went, it bears out the opinion I
expressed on the matter in the paper to which this is an
addendum.

" With reference to the general subject of ballooning, I
believe that some useful results might be obtained by
photography applied from the balloon, and I hope, should
an experimental reconnoitring apparatus be got up, to be
able to make some experiments in the matter."

THE FIRST PHOTOGBAPHIC TRIP IN ENGLAND.

In the year 1863 the late Mr. Henry Negretti had the
special use of my large balloon to initiate experiments in
this branch of his art, and although superior pictures have
been taken since in France by M. Tissandier, and in
England by Mr. Shadbolt, still the early experience of the
enterprising photographer contains points of interest
which ought to be mentioned in these pages.
The following is Mr. Negretti's own account : —
** All the usual arrangements having been made, the car
was fitted up as a dark room (as I had resolved upon
employing the wet collodion process) the cameras were
fixed ; a plate had been prepared by my assistant, Mr,
Collings ; and about twelve o'clock we started from th&

188 «Y LIPK AND

gasworks at Bell Green, Lower Sydenham, and proceeded
in a Bouth -easterly direction. We rose rapidly from the
gronnd so as to clear the chimneys of the gasworks, and
this swift ascent cansed the balloon to revolve so qiiickly
at first that it would have been nseless to have exposed the
plate that we had prepared. This rotatory motion of tha
balloon continued more or less throngbont the entire
journey, and it constitutes, indeed, the most serione obstaole
with which the photographer has to contend. In about 8
qaarter-of-an-honr, and at an altitude of nearly 4000 feet,
as registered by a small pocket barometer, the car became
much more stationary, and accordingly I now determined
npon attempting a picture. The exposure was almost
instantaneous, but the brief period that elapsed betwesn
poaring on the developing solution and the uppearance of
the image was to me one of the most anxious suspense :
the problem of the actinic or non-actinic properties of
light at such an altitude was to be solved ; and it was with
some pardonable degree of exultation that I heard my
assistant say, 'the picture has moved,' which for the
information of the n on -photographer means that therfl
was a picture but not a good one, owing to some move-
ment either in the subject to he photographed or in the
apparatus. On hearing the above exclamation I wafl
greatly relieved, and said, ' all right, prepare another.' I
now felt that fully one half of my most sanguine expecta-
tions were realised, avd that I had established tht
important fact that photography is possible at auch a ]
distance from the earth, and that its success depends
almost entirely upon tha rapidity with which the sensitive

BALLOON EXPEBIENCES. 189

plate can be exposed. One plate after another^ and still
* moved, moved.' This seemed to me inexplicable, for
the exposure was as instantaneous as could possibly be
effected.

** Ou my sitting down to reflect upon the cause of this
moving Mr. Coxwell kindly offered to descend from his
usual place in the ring and assist me if I wanted any help.
Meanwhile we had penetrated into a cloud, but I was not
fortunate enough to meet with any of those glorious
visions which have been so ably described by some of your
correspondents. I regretted this all the more because
that slight movement which would be fatal to a terrestrial
landscape would not have been so apparent in a photo-
graphic picture of the sky. On emerging from this cloud
the objects beneath us were much clearer than before, and
the balloon, although still travelling at the rate of about
fifteen miles an hour, was much steadier in its motion,
rotating only once in some two minutes.

** More plates were now exposed in rapid succession
from both sides of the car with much better results, but
still leaving quelque chose d desirer. Some heavy firing
was heard and pronounced by Mr. Coxwell to be from
Woolwich, at a distance of some eight or ten miles; at
every report the car shook perceptibly — so much so that any
attempt at obtaining pictures at that time would have been
quite useless. One circumstance I noticed, which I think
deserves mention. I had focussed a lovely park and
mansion, when to my chagrin 1 saw the picture leave the
ground glass. I wished to see it again, and took hold of
one of the ropes that suspends the car to the balloon, and

190 HY LIFE AND

by sowesaive ' pollings ' succeeded in jerking the riew
back again, bnt of coarse by so doing I had imparted a
Diovement to the balloon which prevented me doing any-
thing farther for some time to come. The main object of
what was essentially an experimental trip had been
obtained, and it had been demonstrated that photographie
views can bo taken at elevations ranging from 3000 to
6000 feet from the groand. Some alteration of detailB
in tho arrangement of cameras and shatters will be needed
previouR to another trip, and I may throw out a hint for
the benefit of my professional confreres and amateurs,
that I believe a circular form of car will probably tend to
check that rotatory motion which is bo much against us.
One thing seems clear to me, that the lenses must be
uncovered without any exertion or movement on the part
of the photographer; an apparatus for this purpose
independent of the camera would, I think, be best.
Perfect immobihty on the port of the occupants of the
ear would tend to getting good sharp pictaree. I shall
assuredly continue my experiments, and on the good old
Italian motto ' cin dura vince,' I am confident that
perseverance will result in still greater success.

" Feeling perfectly satisfied with the results of my
preliminary experiments I now detei-mined on descending,
The balloon was passing over the valley of the Medway,
and the very beantiful landscape reminded me forcibly of
that part of Lombardy called the Brianza, as seen from
the mountain tops at the side of my native city of Como;
the hop gardens, also, almost vied with the vineyards of
that district, but as we drew near the sharp-pointed poles

BALLOON EXPEBIENOES. 191

the prospect became decidedly less pleasant. Thanks,
however, to Mr. Coxwell we descended in perfect safety at
Barnjut, about two miles from Maidstone, on the property
of Mr. Whitehead, whose only answer to our apologies
for having so unceremoniously descended in one of his
farmyards was a hearty English welcome, offering us
conveyance to the railway, and expressing his regret that
we did not alight in the park, near his mansion, where we
should have been more comfortable."

MY LIFE AND

CHAPTER X.

MEETING OF THE BBITISH ASSOCIATION,
AT NEWCASTLE IN 1863.

'HE Times of September 2Dd, said that, " the section-
devoted to the discussion of qaeations rekting
to matbemntical and physical science, was densely
crowded to hear Mr. Glaisher relate the result of hia
meteorological experiments at varied elevations
Mr. Coswell's balloon.

" Colonel Sybes introduced the subject by reading t
report of the Balloon Committee appointed by the Associa-
tion at Cambridge in 1862, after which, Mr. Glaisher
proceeded to read his paper.

" Then after explaining the various readings of the dry
and wet bulb thermometerSj Mr. Glaisher adverted to the '
question of the heights and appearances of clouds and the
marked contrast between the conditions of the aerial
regions in the summer of 1863, compared with that of th<t
previous year.

" After a short explanation of the velocity of the wind^
he went on to speak of the curious changes in colour thai
he and Mr. Coxwell experienced in ascending, and remarked
that they could now easily go a mile higher withoat
turning quite so blue as before. In one descent, they very

BALLOON EXPEBIENOES. 193

nearly got into the sea^ and only escaped that fate by
coining down at the rate of four miles in fifteen minutes.
The results of all the ascents^ he considered, formed a
bright chapter — ^perhaps the brighest — in the history of
the Association, and, the balloon having done so much for
science, he hoped science would do something for the
balloon.

" Professor Owen said he had attended this meeting of
the section, chiefly in the hope of hearing from Mr.
Glaisher something of the influences of these very high
distances on the human frame, which was adapted, of
course, to a very different medium. The fact which Mr.
Glaisher mentioned as to his feeling a greater power of
resisting the influences of these very high temperatures
was very interesting in physiology, and in relation to the
series of facts with which they were acquainted. They
knew their lungs did adapt themSelves to atmospheres of
different degrees of gravity, so that there were people
who lived habitually on high mountains, and felt no
difficulty in breathing, such as was felt at once when the
inhabitants of a plain or low country came up to those
elevations.

" Now, that depended upon the greater proportion of the
minute cells of the lungs which are open and receive an
attenuated atmosphere, in proportion to the minute cells
that are occupied by a quantity of mucus. Those on the
plain did not make so large a use of their breathing
apparatus^ as those who lived at great altitudes. Hence^
: more cells, occupied by mucus, would be taken up, and
[ opened to &ee course and play ; and he had no doubt that

I 194 UY LIPE AND

^H -was the solation of the IntereBting fact meutioned by
^B Mr. Olaisher.

^M " Physiologists were all agreed that one condiUon of
^P longevity was the capacity of the chest, and, therefore, he

hoped the increased breathing capacity acquired byMessTB.

Glaisher and Goxwell, would tend to the prolongation of

their lives.

I" In the evening Mr. Glaisher and Mr. Coxwell made
an ascent from the Cricket Ground.
" The lecture that followed in the Town Hall on the
following evening by Mr. Glaisher, was attended by 8,000
persons. The chairman, at its conclusion, rose and called
upon the large audience to express by acclamation, their
thanks to Mr. Glaisher for the interesting lecture he had
delivered. He bad had opportunities beyond all other men,
of making scientific observations in the higher regions of
the atmosphere, and he (the chairman) perceived from the
attention they had given to Ms lecture, how much they had
been interested by the important facts which he had com-
municated to them, and he was sure they not only thanked
Mr. Glaisher, but wished him every success in hiB fhtare
explorations. (Loud applause.)

" A general call was then made for Mr. Coxwell, who
rose amidst the warmest acclamations, and expressed the
pleasure and gratitude he felt for the very handsome and
kind manner in which every mention of his name had been
received. To Mr. Glaisher it was that science was indebted
for the advances made in meteorology, and this gentleman,
though he avoided speaking of the risks he encountered,
and gave only the bright side of the picture, still moat

SALLOOH EXFEBIEK0E8. 19S

bravely, and without hesitation, encountered many dangers
for the sake of advancing that branch of science to which
he was devoted, and the British Association could not have.
eelectfid a man of greater ability and determination, or one
more certain to do justice to the high mission with which
the Association had entrusted him. He briefly referred to
the late accident which had given him the greatest pain, as
he fully believed he was trusting his balloon to one who
could manage it, and such a sad result could not be other-
wise than painfnl although no blame might attach to any
one but the unfortunate victim. He would return, however,
to the brighter subject of Mr. Glaisher's accomplishments
and successes. Whatever might be the results of the forth-
coming experiments in France, and he (Mr. Coiwell)
wished them every success, he was glad his able coadjutor
was an Englishman, and to feel the conviction that his
fame for these researches would long remain unequalled."
(Load applause.)

BIB. QIAI8HEB ON THE DBCLINE OF TEMFERATUBB.

" On ascending with a cloudy sky, the temperature
usually declines till the clouds are reached, bat, on
breaking through them, there is always an increase of
several degrees of temperature; and, after this, the decline
of temperature usually continues, and would do so con-
tinuously if there were no disturbing causes in operation.
On ascending with a clear eky, we start with a higher
temperature than with a cloudy one, as much higher as the
loss of heat caused by the clouds, an approximate measnre
of which is that sudden increase of temperature in passing

from clottd to a clear aky. In no instance have I met with
the atmosphere in a normal state In respect to temperatore,
at different elevations — even np to fonr or five miles warn
cQrrentB of air have been met with. By warm I mean
that their temperatnres were higher than in the strata
immediately beneath. These warm strata are variable is
thickness, from 1,000 feet to 10,000 feet, and varying
from 1 deg. to '20 deg. in excess. It is necessary, in
considering the law of the decrease of temperature, to
take into account the state of the sky, and to separate the
experiments made in one state from those in the other.
Collecting the results in the cloudy state, we have first,
that the decline of temperature.

When tlie aky was dovdy —
Deg. Ft. Deg. Ft

" IfTom to 1,U0U nas 4-7 from 1 expenments, or 1° in ^13

1,000 „ 2,000

„ 4-2 „

3,000 „ 3,000

.. 41 „

S,000 „ 4,000

.. 3' ..

4,000 „ 6,000

.. 8-1 .,

When the

iky was

partially clea

Deg. Ft

Deg.

„ 2,000

., 6-3 „

„ 3,000

„ 4-6 „

„ 4,000

,. 3-4 „

„ 5,000

., 2-7 „

"These tesalts do not at all confirm the theory of a
decline of one degree of temperature for every increase of
800 feet.

" We will now consider the decrease at heights abovs

BALLOON £!n>EBIENOES. 197

the clond'plane. The decrease of the temperatnre of the
air at heights exceeding 5,000 feet is as follows : —

Ft. Ft. Deg. Ft

'* From 5,000 to 6,000 was 2-8 from 10 experiments, or l"" in 357

6,000

i»

7,000

357

7,000

8,000

2-7

370

8,000

9,000

»»

2-6

384

9,000

i»

10,000

»»

2-6

384

10,000

11,000

2-6

384

11,000

12,000

»»

2-6

384

12,000

13,000

2-5

li-

400

13,000

14,000

2-2

455

14,000

»>

15,000

2-1

477

15,000

16,000

}»

477

16,000

))

17,000

1-9

527

17,000

18,000

1-8

556

18,000

»r

19,000

1-8

556

19,000

))

20,000

1-5

667

20,000

21,000

1-3

771

21,000

22,000

1-3

771

22,000

23,000

1-0

1,000

23,000

24,000

1-3

771

24,000

25,000

909

25,000

26,000

. II

1,000

26,000

27,000

1,000

27,000

28,000

0-9

1,012

28,000

29,000

0-8

1,050

** These results follow almost in sequence with those
found with the partially clear sky, and together show that
a change of temperature of one degree takes place in
189 feet near the earth, and that it requires fully 1,000 feet
for a change of one degree at the height of 80,000 feet.

** By adding successively together the decrease due to
each 1,000 feet, we have the whole decrease of temperature
from the earth to the different elevations.

KT LITE AND

F*. Ft. Deg.

am e to 1,000 the deareue wu 7-8 or 1° on the avenge

„ „ a,ooo „ ia-8

„ 3,000 „ 17-1

,. *.0O0 „ 20-6

., 5,000 „ 33-2

., 6,000 „ 36-0

„ 7,000 „ S8-8

„ 8,000 „ 31-5

., B.OOO „ 34-1

„ 10,000 „ 307

„ „ 11.000 „ 39'3

,. 13,000 „ 11-9

„ 13,000 „ 44-4

„ 14,000 „ 46-3

„ 15,000 „ 48-7

„ 16.000 „ EO-8

„ 17,000 ,. 63-7

„ .. 18,000 „ 64-S

.. 19,000 .. E6-3

., 20,000 ., S7-8

.. 21.000 ,. 69-1

., 23,000 „ 61-4

„ 23,000 „ 63-4

„ 34,000 „ 63-7

„ „ 35,000 „ 64-8

„ „ 26,000 „ 66-8

„ 27,000 „ 66-8

„ 38.000 „ 67-7

„ 29,000 „ 6B-S

„ 30.000 „ 7»0

;*r i

" The following barometer readings for different beighta
wiU be interesting : —

BALLOON EXPBEIENCEB. 199

' FROM THE ORICKET GROUND NEWCASTLE.

Ag reported by a Local Newspaper.
" One of the great events coniiected with the present
meeting of the British Association, was understood to be
another scientific ascent by Mr. Glaiaher and Mr. Coxwell.
This ascent took place, and the popular interest excited
was decidedly greater than that excited by any other event
connected with the Association. Everybody coidd share
the pleasure and excitement produced by a balloon ascent ;
and the gi'cat mass of our townsfolk did share in it. The
Mayor, on the requisition of a number of oar leading
firms, had wisely appointed that the afternoon should be
holden as a general holiday. The consequence was that
all the positions surrounding the cricket ground, from
which a. view of the bftlloon could be obtained, were
occupied early in the afternoon. In the enclosure itself,
some hundreds of the members of the British Association
were assembled. The inflation of the balloon began about
half-past one in the afternoon, and was not completed till
nearly six in the evening. The balloon employed on this
occasion, we believe, was constructed by Mr. Coxwell
Mpecially for scientific ascents. It is of immense size and
Bbeantifal form, and requires 95,000 feet of gas to infiate
■ it. Messrs. Coxwell and Glaisher usually perform their
jonrneys alone ; but on this occasion they were accompanied
by Master G. W. Lee Glaisher, a son of Mr. Glaisher,

Iaboat fourteen years of age, Captain Bond, Mr. Smith,
and Mr. J. Pullan, one of our reporters. When
Mr. Glaisher had arranged his delicate instruments, and
Hr. Coxwell had adjusted his still more important I

HT LIFE AND

macliiiiery, the atrial moDBter, amidst the plandltB of the
spectators, swiftly and steadily left the earth. The clonds
were low at the time, so that the ballooD was speedilj
hidden by them. As it rose higher, however, it was seen
■nd lost again repeatedly as a diminishing object in the
heavens. Glistening in the sonlight, it was not entirely
lost to view for half-an-hour after it left the earth. The
ascent was made so near to the coast that the direction of
the wind was a matter of some moment, and severs!
" pilots " were dispatched to ascertain it. As the great
balloon itself ascended, it took a southerly direction, bat
diverged slightly to the east as it got into higher currants
of air. The proceedings were enlivened by the pet-
Ibimances of the bands of the 1st Newcastle, and the
^ Northnmherland Artillery Tolunteers, permitted to be
present by the kindness of the commanding ofl5cers. The
balloon was the Mammoth, with which Mr. Glaisher and
Mr. Coswell have made all their scientific ascents."

THE FATAL BALLOON ACCIDENT NEAR NOTTISiGHAM,

During the meeting of the British Association at
Newcastle -npon-Tyue, in August 1863, allusion was made
to this regrettable circumstance by the Newcastle Chronicle
in the following terms : —

" The lamentable occurrence which happened on Monday
last is a fair theme for comment.

" There was a fete at Basford Fark, near Nottingham,
and Mr. Goxwell was annonnced to ascend with iuB
balloon. This was not the famous 'Mammoth,' in which
BO many successful expeditions have been made, but a new

BALLOON EXPEBIENOES. 201

one, in which he himself had never journeyed. It was
fully inflated by half-past five on Monday evening; the
aeronaut took his place in the car, but soon found that,
even without any ballast it would not lift him. Three
times he made the experiment, but the gas was heavy and
unfitted for its purpose. At this juncture a Mr. Chambers,
son of a well-known aeronaut, stepped forward, and,
remarking that he was a lighter man than Mr. Coxwell, by
four stone, proposed to make the ascent in his stead. The
public were getting impatient, and Mr. Coxwell, remember-
ing the conduct of large crowds towards him on some
former occasions, thought it probable enough that violence
would be offered both to his property and to himself if the
people missed the 'sensation' which had been promised.
It would be shameful to insinuate a charge of timidity
against a man who has given so many and such splendid
proofs of courage; and there is no doubt that he was
chiefly influenced by his desire to keep faith with the
public. It must be borne in mind, also, that he knew
Chambers had made many ascents from Cremorne Gardens
and other places, though never in Mr. Coxwell's own
company. There was, therefore, reasonable ground for
supposing that he knew how to manage, and that there
would be no danger in allowing him to take his seat in the
car. A shower of rain was approaching ; the impatience
of the crowd increased, and in an unhappy moment
Mr. Coxwell gave his consent. The ascent was a good
one ; all seemed going well, but suddenly it was observed
that ballast was being thrown out. What could this
mean ? Mr. Coxwell shouted, warning Chambers of his

I
I

,903 UT LIFE AND

error ; bat it was persisted in ; and althoagb, b; merely
opening a vaWe — an operation not mach mcwe difGcnlt
than palling a bell — this upward motion could bare been
checked, the balloon still rose. Ere long, however, it wu
lost in a dark cloud, and when next visible was deBce&dicg
rapidly, at a distance of six miles. According to Mr.
Coxwell's theory, it bad emerged into sunshine, when the
gas of coarse expanded rapidly, and streamed out of the
neck or safety valve, which, as those who have ascended
know to their cost, is always left open. A few minutes
afterwards the balloon came flapping down to the ground,
near Scoat Lane, Arnold; it rebounded again, and then
settled on the earth. At the bottom of the car, a hand-
kerchief in his mouth, the valve-cord twisted round his
wrist, his left thigh fractored and some of bis ribs broken,
lay the unhappy man, gasping for breath. Death sood
ensued, rather &om safTocation than from the injuriefl
received by the concussion.

"In no way does Mr. Coswell deseiTC censm^. It ia
plain that the accident was caused not by any Saw in the
balloon, bnt by want of skill or nerve on the part of the
unfortunate victim. The verdict of the jury completely
exonerates the veteran aeronaut from blame ; and the
coroner wisely dwelt upon the fact that no pecuniary profit
was to be gained by bis allowing another person to ascend.
It had, in fact, been just arranged that the balloon should
be sent by itself, when this unfortunate man volunteered
to take charge of it, as it would not lift Mr. Coxweil.
This gives fresh point to the protests that we have made
from time to time, aud this melancholy incident mast not

BALLOON EXPERIENCES.

fallowed to throw discredit upon ballooning itself, when
perly conducted by men of experience. For any one
imperfectly acquainted with the proper means of ascending
or descending, to undertake aach a journey alone, is an
act of temerity which will generally be terribly punished.
Whatever cause rendered him so helpless — whether it was
want of practice, sudden illness, or stupefaction produced
by inhaling too much of the gas that came from the safety-
valve — poor Chambers has paid a heavy price for his error.
His fate, let us hope, will eerve to deter others from
running a similar risk without proper guidance ; but it
would be a serious misfortune if such an accident were
distorted by ignorant comments into an argument against
aerial exploration."

SECOND ASCENT FOB MILIIABY OBJECTS.

The Naval and Military Intelligence of the first week
in October, 1863, contained the following report of my
ascent from the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich.

" The Members of the Ordnance Select Committee,
with General Sir David Wood, E.A., Major-General
Sandham, Governor of the Royal Military Academy;
Brigade-Major Milward, and other ofRcers, assembled at
the Royal Arsenal to witness ascents with Mr. Coxwell's
balloon, the War Department having sanctioned a series
of experiments in order to ascertain the value of balloons
when used to reconnoitre the movements of an army in
the field, or to obtain information as to the position of an
enemy's forces. The whole of the available troops in
irrison had previously marched out in two divisions — the
loyal Marines and Infantry, commanded . by Colonel

''904 HY UFB AHD

Mitchell, to CbialelmrBt, and the Eoyal Artillery, com-
manded by Colonel Travere, to Bexloy Heath. The
ballooD, having been inflated with 35,000 cubic feet of
gas at the Arsenal works, was removed by a detachment of
itoyal Engineers to the Oan Park, and a rope attached to
tiie balloon having been lashed to one of the gnne,
Mr. Cox well ascended with Captain Heyman, Secretary of
the Ordnance Select Committee, and other officers, and
the troops were seen whilst retnrning borne, headed by the
bands of the two divisions. Ultimately, about five o'oloek,
the balloon was set free, and conveyed Mr. Coxwell,
Captain Beaumont, and Lieut. Grover to Finchley, the
«a8terii portion of the metropolis having been crossed a
they proceeded in a somewhat circuitous direction."

M. NADia's BJiLLOON.

I must not take leave of this remarkable year in
balloouiug without a concise notice of the gigantic balloon
«onstmcted in Paris by M. Tonmachon Nadar, le beau
Nadar, as his friends loved to call the &ank and jovial
laughter -loving compagnon, the skilful photographer,
whose tall, well-knit frame, pointed him out to the
sannterere on the Boulevards. This ingenious French-
man constmcted a balloon, the dimensions of which fat
surpassed that of the Nassau balloon, or of my "Mam-
moth," the relative dimensions of which, in diameters,
and cubic contents were as follows : —

Green's in cliftmetet 50 feet, futd enbio contentB 70,000 feet.
CoiweU's „ OTerSe „ „ „ 93,000 „

Nadu'B „ 74 „ „ „ 215,000 „

Underneath this hnge machine was placed a smaller

TKl NI-vV ■. .:)F. ".

PUBLIC LI Lb.'. '

^ BALLOON EXPEEIENCEB. 205

"balloon, called a compensator, the intended use of which
■was to prevent loss of gas during the voyage, bat I need
hardly observe that the idea was not practically realised.
The car was also of a fanciful, cumbersome, and cage-like
form, being the model of a cottage in ivicker-work, which
had two stories of eight feet high and thirteen feet in
length, and contained a small printing office, a photo-
graphic department, refreshment room, &e.

On October 4th, 1863, it was launched in Paris, when
thirteen persons went np. At the descent at Meaux an
accident to the valve-hne occurred.

A week or two later another ascent was made, and after
remaining aloft for the night, the balloon descended near
Nieubnrg in Hanover, a distance of about 400 miles
having been accomplished, but a strong wind blew at the
time, and the passengers were dragged for a long distance
over the ground, and some of them were injured including
M, Nadftr. Before this voyage was undertaken Mr. Boley,
the General Manager of the Crystal Palace, had gone over
to Paris to engage Nadar for some ascents. It had been
given out that the French aeronaut was about to make a
trip to Russia, and his services at any cost were to be
secured, aa snch a wonderful voyage would if really
made, make Nadar popular in England.

The Manager, in rather an appealing manner, asked me
if I would mind giving place to the enterprising French-
man for the proposed ascents at Sydenham ; I most readily
assented, but with this proviso, that M. Nadar should
travel to St. Petersburg in his balloon. Mr. Boley was
personally quite persuaded that the journey in question

\906 Kt LtFE AKD

W iroiild be accomplisbed, and 80 I did not attempt to aigia
w about it. I was on the point of going into Scotland,
I when a. telegram arrived from Paris about the disastioiu
P descent in Hanoyer, and requested that my next ascent
from the Crystal Palace might be carried out according to
previous arrangement, aa the Giant balloon would not be
in a condition to eclipse the Mammoth balloon, at any
rate, not quite so soon as expected. It -was to appear,
however, at the Crystal Palace at no distant period, evon
if it was there blown out with atmospheric air — of conise
this additional information came by letter ; the progranune,
however, so far as the " blowing out " went, was hterally
folhlled, as the finely formed " Geant " was duly mended,
and I remember gazing at it with admiration when it wss
suspended in the Central Transept. At the same time, I
could not stifle a firm conviction that another mishap was
in store for it, and that something would surely happen
ere twelve hours had elapsed.

This fear was, as may be supposed, put down to pro-
fessional jealousy ; I was asked to go beneath it, to giM
upon its vast dimensions as it hang over head.
" On no account whatever," I replied.
"Why not?"
"Because it will come tumbling down by runa be&rs
many hours have passed."

At least, that was my settled opinion, and having openly

stated it, I was not surprised nest morning when Ifc.

Henry Thompson telegraphed to say that M. Nadai*!

y balloon had come down by the rtin during the night, jnat

■ as I had predicted, and then, after the prophecy had been

BALLOON EXPEBIBN0E8. 207

fulfilled, everybody wanted to know how it was I felt so
certain as to the event taking place,

"It was simply self-evident," I replied. " The balloon
had been hoisted up, and the net-work, instead of being
allowed to embrace the lower part and thereby sustain the
weight, was left hanging down and added two or three
hundredweight to the silk, which was merely suspended
by the valve."

I really thought it would come down before it did, and
I could at once perceive that the true principles of practical
aeronautics were either not understood or wantonly defied
in this affair.

Subsequently it was suspended in a more ship-shape
fashion, and attracted, for a time, considerable interest,
but it did not extingaish the Mammoth balloon, as it
never really ascended from the Palace grounds.

Some two or three years later it passed into other hands,
s ultimately wrecked at Cremorne Gardens.
qodard's fire bai,loon, 1864.
LG-odard made an ascent in his huge " Montgolfier," or
'Keated-air balloon, from Cremorne Gardens in the presence
of some thousands of people. From the same place, and
at the same time, Mr. Adams ascended in a balloon called
the "Prince of Wales," which was inflated by gas in the
ordinary way ; but the two in point of size and appearance
were out of all compariBon, and the interest of the specta-
tators were almost exclusively eoncentrated on that of M.
Godard, in reference to which, the other looked Kke a
mere satellite. The vast difference in size between the two,
might have induced the belief that the English balloon had

20b ut life akd

been selected to set ofT by contmst the magnificent propoi-
tioQS of its rival, which would not have been so strikbg, if
my large balloon had been pat in comparison with it
Still, the "Montgolfier" was an enormoas structore, and
exceeded in size tho famous " Geant " balloon of M. Sadar,
being 117ft. iu height, and 95ft. 9in. in diameter. It was
pear-shaped, iind made of canyas, but not lined throaghont
the inside with silk. It was ornamented on the outside

' vith representations of the French eagle, and was encircled
at about a third of its height from the top with a parachute
arrangement, resembling the wings of a bat, and divided
into twenty-four compartments. The upper part of the

1 machine was sarroandod with a blue border, and from its
Deck or lower end tho car was suspended, with the furnace

, immediately above, the flame of which was visible from the
earth as the balloon floated amoug the clouds, a dark gray
mass, distinct in its elegant outline. The balloon itself,
with all its appendages, weighed upwards of 4,G201bB., and
its cubic capacity was 498,556ft. The car weighed 585lbs.,
and was upwards of thirteen feet in diameter. It was
eorrounded by a rail, breast high.

The fnrnace for inflating the balloon was placed in the
centre of the car, and weighed, with the chimney, 3801b.
It was 6ft. 6in. in diameter, and consisted of three
cylinders, so arranged as to coanteraet the effects of the
radiated heat upon the occnpants of the car, having also a
metal colander inside the flne to intercept sparks from the
fire below. The heated air for inflating the balloon was
generated by burning rye straw, cleaned from the ears, and
compressed into small bundles. For the purpose of in£a-

BALLOON EXPEBIENOES. 209

tion, the balloon was suspended from a horizontal rope
attached to two masts, each upwards of 100ft. high. About
three-quarters of an hour altogether were consumed in
the process, which was watched with eager interest by the
<5rowd. The stokers kept constantly feeding the furnace,
in the interval, with the compressed straw, until the huge
mass was completely distended. There was a brisk wind,
^nd at one time the balloon swayed much to and fro in the
process of inflation, and looked as if it would break away
from its moorings. At length, all being ready, M. Godard,
accompanied by several gentlemen, entered the car, and the
balloon arose amid the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd.
A moment or two before that, Mr. Adams, in his gas-
balloon, had shot up into the air almost with the rapidity
of a rocket, a proceeding which had a rather ludicrous
eSeci in comparison with the stately ascent of the other.
He soared to a great height compared with M. Godard and
his companions, who appeared to be just at a convenient
altitude for taking a bird's-eye view of London. Both
balloons took an easterly course, that of M. Godard
diverging rather more towards the north than the other,
and both were watched with much interest by the crowd
at the starting point until they passed out of sight. The
Godard balloon descended on the marshes of the Biver Lea,
near Walthamstow. It ascended again and proceeded
from Mr. Boston's to Mr. Tasker's farm, where the
grappling irons were thrown out and caught a tree. The
balloon then swayed about with great violence against the
tree, the branches of which it broke. Serious damage was
done to the balloon and car. Some of the party in the

P410 MY LIFE AND

^M ear jnmped out &s it was descending, and one hadliiB:
^1 Bprainod, while Knother was cnt about the face and
^B not, I believe, serionsly.
^1 Wlien the trial trip of this tire-baUooti came off on
^ July '20tb, 1864, from Cremorne Gardens, the late Colond
Bumaby ascended, and also the late Mr. Prowse, of the
iJaili/ Tflcfjrapk. Mr. Norria, a famous amateur aeronant,

I was also one of the party, I believe, and as all these
gentlemen had freqnently ascended with me, I went to see
them oS', as did Mr. Glaisher.
I met Mr, Prowse during the evening of the ascent on
his return to Fleet Street, and he read to me the following
pleasing description of the first descent, which I here
subjoin : —
I "Three times already had the balloon passed over the

Thames ; and when it was resolved to alight, M. Godard
was over the Isle of Dogs. He had fixed his eye, however,
npoD the East Greenwich marshes, as an open apace in
which the descent could be safely attempted. Very nicely
and skilfully calculated were his manoeuvres. Traversing
the Thames at an exceedingly low elevation, the balloon
just grounded upon the shore, within a dozen yards of the
water. Distinctly to understand the fierce excitement of
the next three minutes, it should be borne in mind that
'the fire was still roaring merrily away; that the machinery,
so admirable for its special purposes, would have caused
sad havoc had there been anything hke a general upset;
and that, at this particular moment, six men could exert
very little control over a balloon capable of containing
460,000 cubic feet of air. Touching the shore, the ballooa

BALLOON EXPERIENCES.

211

e away, the big canvas flapping, the bright fire burning,
lilst right in front rose a stone embankment. The
wks were rough, and bad the travellers been novices in
1 particular method of locomotion, we might now have
wkward caBoalities to relate. Just before each
mp, however, we mado a little leap, and thus baulked
i force, as a cricketer to catch a ball draws back his band
IBtead of protruding it. Still, with all these precautions,
i was a nasty drive ; it occupied perhaps a minute — it
med half-an-hour — and there was a strong inclination
I' cheer when the threatening stones were passed. On
V into a potato field ; another rise ; a wild tendency to
np at a chimney ; a strong ' exhibition ' of restraint in
e shape of a hundred sensible Englishmen tugging away
i the ropes, and obeying the orders that were given — and
e whole thing was over.

" It is improbable that, as at present managed, the
gallantly adopted by M. Godard can really help
Srostatics as a science ; but it would be less than generous,
I would be less than just, to conclude this notice without
a cordial recognition of that gentleman's bravery and skill.
He had to contend against many disadvantages ; he met
them all in a spirit of cheerful good temper and chivalric
self-reliance. It is to the ordinary gas-balloon that
Mr. Glaisher still adheres as a means of prosecating his
researches ; but the old ' fire-balloon,' with all its new
improvements, adjuncts, and accessories, could not have
been introduced to the English public by a more
. deteimined, devoted, or courteous gentleman than
, Jean Godard, aeronaut to Ms Majesty the Em^eiot

of the French. This testimony to his signal merits I
will be cheerfully endotBed by all who have ever shared \
hia perils — by the fire travellers who accompanied him
yesterday, as by those who risked their lives with
M. Nftdar."

BALLOON EXPEBIENOES. 213

CHAPTEE XI.

SELECTIONS FROM THE BEMAINDEB OF MT LIFE.

give more than a few of the frequent ascents made
by Mr. Glaisher and myself is' all that I can now
attempt. I would gladly advert to the scientific
voyages and experiments, made year after year, but to do
so I should require more space than is at my disposal.
I must refer my readers, therefore, to Mr* Glaisher's
admirable work entitled ** Travels in the Air," which
combine the experiences of M. Flammarion and M. de
Fonvielle, and also those by the Brothers Tissandier, who
rank so high in aerostation.

I will, therefore, glance chiefly at the next six-and-
twenty years of my life, and in so doing I shall not show
special favour to those ascents, which are, in a scientific
point of view, the more important, as public and popular
trips possess sometimes a larger amount of entertaining
matter for general readers, the class to which I address
myself. For these I have prepared a variety of selections
which aim, if possible, at "ringing the changes," and not
harping upon one string, which becomes too monotonous to
be pleasing for those who have not been students in balloon-
ing, but are nevertheless disposed to take a glance at the

>tl4

UY LIFE AND

robject if th/vy can be iDterested in its teachings snj
in its followen.

If tliere is one locality to which I shonld like ample
space to advert, it is York, and although I believe that mj
rcnsons for an earnest and afTectionate remembrance of this
ancient City wonld be better liked by Yorkshiremen if I
give them in my own words, still I wonld rather cohtcj
them in this page by an extract from the Gardening World
of Jnne 11th, 1887, as it le a delicate matter to speak of
one's self In terms of eulogy.

The article was written by Mr. Dean, who stood high as
a judge and promoter of the Horticnltnral department sa
well as the other attractions of the York gala.

It begins with the first Exhibition in the year 1859,
which had the approval and patronage of His Grace the
Archbishop of York, and many of the noblemen and
gentlemen of the Connty.

" The grounds in which the fetes were held conld not be
used without special permission. On the iirst occasion ^6
band of the Coldstream Guards appeared and assisted at a
concert given on the evening prior to the exhibition.

"Mr, Coxwell made his first bulloon ascent from York,
and a brass hand contest terminated the evening's amnse-
ments. The fete was a decided saccess, the total receipts
amounting to £1,262, and the committee granted 100
guineas to the charitable institutions of the city, which
Bnm was farther increased by the guarantors' genorom
help.

The distinguished patronage of Her Majesty and the
late Prince Consort was, in the year 1860, thought to be

BALLOON BXPEBIBNCE8.

deeifftble, and Mr. John Wilson, the secretary, obtained
this for tile society through the influence of the city

" Mr. Henry Coxwell," the writer added, " waa engaged
every yeai- up to and including the year 1886, bnt his
retirement into private hfe at the close of last year breaka
off the pleasant associations betwixt himself, the committee
of the York Gala, and the visitors there.

"Intheyear 1865, Mr. AldarroB.n'WaAe, The Lord Mayor
in that year, accompanied Mr. Coxwell in the ascent, a
most favourable one, and Mr. Wade is happily still living
and taking an active part in each sncceeding gala.

" The ascent'waa made in a new balloon, and the ceremony
of christening was performed by Miss Wade, who was the
Lady MayoreBS, the name of " EesGnrch " being inBcribed
on it."

A SKETCH 07 THE GALA THUB AT YOBK.

In order that those readers who do not happen to be
very well acqaainted with this part, may still bring the
leading features of the rejoictnga before the mind's eye, I
intend to offer one or two general sketches of the place and
the people.

A stranger arriving some years since to witness the pro-
ceedings would have been particularly struck by the vast
crowds of people who were all going in a northerly direction
from the railway station, and were consequently showing
the way to the field at Bootbam, where the gala has been
for nearly thirty years invariably held.

Everybody was running hither and thither to be present

i the opening ceremony of the festivities, and to be as

rS16 VT LIFE AND

early as poeaible at tlie great flower-ahow while the bloom
and fresliness were on the exhibits, and wliiJe, if possible,
the judges and leading aristocracy were going thoir roun^ I
of inspection, preTioas to the "masses " being let in on
the following days.

There were large prizes given, amounting to nearly
£600, eo thfkt it was a big affair, as indicated by the
gigantic tents, with their different shapes and contents.

On emerging from the fruit and flower department, the
aforesaid stranger would have seen before him a long
feijade of tentw of another description, viz., refreshment
booths, which extended nearly to the bottom of a ten-acre
field, with lime trees on one side as well as a fine palatial
reBidence at the end of the grounds, a glance at which
building served to show that it was the County Lnnatic
Aeylcm.

There was a strange combination of temporary and
permanent edifices, including a sightly round-looking dome,
which was held up without poles or tackle of any kind,
and enclosed within a circle of wooden barriers.

" What on earth is that ? "

" The balloon, the great balloon, Sir," was the reply.

" Beally, and what a stupendons affair to be sure ; and
that scaffolding beyond and the other devices ; what are
they?"

" For Mr. James Pain's fireworks, and for the trapeze
performers."

" Well, well ; and all those coloured waggons of yellow
and red, with the stretches of galleries beyond ? "

" They are the shooting concerns for rifle practice."

BALLOON EXPEBIENOES. 217

** And the stage there on the left ? "
. '^ That is for the vocal, instrnmental, and theatrical
people from London and Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle-
upon-Tyne, who will appear and be duly marshalled at the
appointed hour."

** Bless me, and what was that I heard ? "

" The Minster Bells."

The bands were heard later on, after certain ofBicial
looking gentry had approached the balloon.

They consisted of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, Com-
mittee, Judges of the Fruit and Flowers, and the heads of
the city, who were gathering, as was their wont, around
the aeronaut just before the luncheon hour.

A friendly greeting of the most cordial kind would then
have been witnessed by the stranger. I was called from
my active duties from beneath the folds of the balloon,
and, after the entire party had paid their customary
respects, I was formally invited by the Lord Mayor to ga
in with them to luncheon.

Among this group of townsmen were three notable
individuals who had often ascended, and who were
described to the inquisitive looker on as Mr. Tom Smith,
Mr. George Browne, and Mr. Cooper ; they were Com-
mitteemen, but, like Mr. Alderman Wade, they were not
always within the gates or bars of York, as they now and
and again laid aside their civic duties and went off a little
in gala times, when, they were aeronautically inclined,
and whenever I appeared on the scene, one or the other of
them would not, as a rule, be far distant, for they were
like-minded in this respect, altliough in matters of business

UY LIFE AND

■ they were of different occupations, and it is don^btfiil

^ whether in politics or other matters the; were at all agreed;

yet no sooner did they enter upon aeronaatics, or assemble

together during those interesting momenta which precede

Ion ascent, than the most perfect harmony of sentimeiit
prevailed ; indeed, they appeared to vie with each other in
alluding to the delights of air travelling, and were regarded
sfi authorities on the subject, and many were the questioQB
put to them and answered, especially at the festive board
when called upon to fight their battles over again, and
invariably they did so to the delight of those who were
near tbem, as were several when they drew np at the
luncheon table, while the Lord Mayor, Sir Joseph Terry,
took his place as Chairman.

The stranger, who could have seen and heard through a
aide opening in the Committee tent, where refreshment waa
served, would have fancied at first, by the leiaurely way
the guests had sauntered down, that their appetites were
unequal to the occasion, but a» soon as the party had
ranged np to the tables and grace been said, while an
appetising odoar arose from the salmon and sliced
cucumber, from the fowls, ducks, pigeon-pies, and lamb,
which covered the tables in profusion, he would have found
himself mistaken.

We aeronauts were not so ready as several more earthly
looking personages to open fire on the creature comfortsi
and Messrs. Smith, Browne, Cooper, and your humble
servant, had to run the gauntlet of some jokes as to our

L being such ethereal beings ; tempting morsels, particularly
the nicest dishes, were disappearing with alarming rapidity,

Jk.^

■ BALLOON EXPERIENCES. al9

when Mr. Browne and the others woke up from an aerial
reverie, and, as if to repudiate the intimation that we
could live on air, a splendid capon, which was keeping
company witli a nice tonguej was soon cut up, and we
began to make amends for lost time. Mr. Tom Smith
catching the eye of an old knowing-looMug waiter, merely
winked, when some of the choicest edibles were placed
close in front of us ; another wink from Mr. Browne and
wine appeared, and not long after Mr. Cooper, who was
always more vivacious after a sip of champagne, added his
part of the performance.

Of course there were many toasts, and so forth, made
from the Chair, occupied by Sir Joseph Terry, and the
aeronauts were in due course called upon to respond.

After these preliminariBa had ended, Mr. Cooper was
called out of the tent, as one of the assistants who was
left in charge of the balloon wanted to explain to that
gentleman that there had been a row among the men
during our absence, and that I and the Field Manager
Mr. Cooper, had better come and see to it.

We did so, but it was all about a trifle ; there were two
rival parties among the thirty workmen whose office it was
to hold the netting of the balloon, some were teetota]leT8 and
others were not. These two classes did not agree, hence
a fasB ensued, and one of the teetotallers was accused of
stealing some food as it passed along to its destination.
The matter was too absurd, but the assistant balloonist
was very angry, and vowed that when he saw the offending
Betotaller returning he would " have it out of him."

Two policemen had overheard what had been stated, but

rs9c

'■9aO HT LIFE kSD

the whole affair was pronounced a force. The
however, as the accused passed him, made a chalk mark
on his back, as much aa to imply that he wa.B scored, and
iiien, the luncheon and dinner hour having passed, the
bands began to discourse splendid music, tho sharp crack
of numerous rifles was heard from the shooting places,
the tenor and baas vocalists were seen to mount the stage,
and the balloon had been fed so generously from the Isrga
Bis inch main that it bad a goodly share of admirers, who
had gathered several feet around the barriers, and all
seemed to go to the satisfaction of .the visitors.

There was something about one of the strangers wbieh
commended him to our party, so that he was invited inside
the enclosure, where he was ready to give a helping hand
if asked to do so.

Having given orders to loosen the hooks of the sand-
bags 80 as to get the lower lines clear for attachment to
the hoop, the assistant balloonist wanted some help to put
on an extra bt^e ; the teetotaller, who was the personifica-
tion of ofSciousness, rushed forward to make himself
conspicnous, but he was eyed by the other with a searching
and sly look. While the neck was free, the stranger,
who had a pleasing face, was invited to have a look tip
inside the balloon, a sight which he and one or two others
enjoyed ; it was then that the teetotaller put his head in to
have a peep, but those who understand these matters
noticed that the assistant balloonist drew the neck well
over his head, and a gust of wind at that moment driving
the gas downwards, and no air being able to pass upwards
to supply his lungs, the abstainer took in such a gulp of

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 221

gaseous fluid that when his head was let out of chancery,
as the movement was designated, he was seen to look
uncommonly pale. He had to retire from the public
gaze, and did not reappear that day, so that the vow
made by the assistant "<o take it out of him** was literally
to some extent carried out.

Mr. Tom Smith noticed that the stranger had lost
colour in his face, and asked him to the Committee tent
to take some refreshment ; it there transpired that he was
in need of such, as the gas inhaled while looking inside
the balloon had produced nausea, and as he had not tasted
food since he entered the city, he accepted Mr. Smith's
offer. After this attention, the stranger made enquiry about
the possibility of his going up, and he had fallen into
excellent hands, as a ticket was procured for him by Mr.
Smith, who stated that he was going himself, so that they
returned together after a walk round the Flower Show and
a chat with the bandmaster, for Mr. Smith was a great
musician, and could play the violin and other instruments
remarkably well.

" We must not lose much time," he said, "for I
perceive that the car is attached and my old friend
IS m.

As this was the half-crown day of the fete and the
attendance composed chiefly of the dite, the aerial party
was not numerous, but it was select, consisting of two or
three visitors besides the stranger, myself, and the three
amateur aeronauts.

It was my desire, while we were suspended over York, to
get up a short descriptive lecture from one and the othe

HT LIFE OS

jibont the magtuficeiit view which was mapped oat beneath

(IB. We all were more or le^s coDtribators.

The substance of what was aaid amounted to this : —
How charming it was to look donn upon so ancient >

city, with all the most striking modern embellishments.

In gazing upon this scene, we wondered bow a balloon

would have seemed at the time of the Koman occupation.
" You can perceive, Sir," I said, addresBing the stranger,
the city walls, the bars and gates, and beneath yon aee

the beautiful ruins of St. Mary'a Abbey. That Utile stream
it seems to us, wbiob stretches in a northerly direction,

is the River Ouse, and there, gentlemen, we perceive —

Bejaad in lofty MojeEtj,

The Uimter Towere arise on Mgh.

Fit tenpU of tho Deitj."

"But we scarcely realize that poetic descriptioi
observed the stranger, " from our present position,
Minster only looks like a model."

" True, but recollect the dimensions."

" Five hundred and twenty-four feet from east to west," '
some one added.

"And two hundred and fifty feet from north to south,"
cried another.

"And the height of the roofs, both of nave and choir,
exceed every other English Cathedral," said a third.

"Most interesting," exclaimed the stranger.

" And please not to overlook, gentlemen, that it is built
in the form of a cross, and that further south we see the [i
Bpirea of old Ebor's many churches."

"I note the new bridge," said the stranger, " and bow '

BALLOON EXPEBIENGES. 229

tiny that looks; what are the buildings to which I
point ?"

" That square tower built over a single arch, which you
will barely make out up here, is Micklegate Bar; the
other to which I am pointing is Monk Bar, so called after
G-eneral Monk, the Hero of the Bestoration, and away to
the west near the village of Holgate, down ;jronder, the
Emperor Severus died, but it is impossible," I observed,
" to distinguish many more of the buildings and institu-
tions, as we are moving away and shall soon enter a
cloud."

" Where, pray, is your race-course?" asked the stranger.

" There you see * Knavesmire ' to the south."

" But," interposed one of our party, "you are pointing
to York Castle."

A laugh was now raised, but the stranger appreciated
the point by laughing too, as he was very well aware of the
use to which the Castle was now turned, and he hoped
that none of us had either a friend or a relation there.

A fine cloud was then entered, and after this pleasing
transition was appreciated, we bore off towards Castle
Howard and Malton.

REPOBTEBS IN OLOUDLAND.

Mr. J. Blenkin, of the York Herald^ said : —
^^ The balloon ascent has been a judicious accompaniment
of every gala which has been held in the city, and has lost
none of its attractiveness, for round the substantial
enclosure which had been constructed for the occasion,
large numbers crowded to watch the progress of inflation*
This was completed upwards of an hour before the time

UY LIFE AKD

fixed for the ascent, and, as there was scarcely sufBcienl
&t the time to flutter the flugs which in variom
decked the ground, opportanity was taken to give t
Bomber of partial ascents. Those desironit of taking
short aerial trips, however, far outweighed in number &a
time or frequency of ascent which conld be afforded them,
and when the period for the permanent ascent arrired,
scarcely a tithe of the applicants had been accommodated.

"At length the occupants of the car, besides Mr,
Coxwell, being confined to Mr. Tom Smith, Mr. Arthur
ITiompBon, of Heworth, Mr, Ward and Mr. George
Hobblothwaite, of York, Mr. Blenkin, of the Vork Herald,
and Mr. J. Pearson, of the Yorkshire Gazette, & delightful
Rscent was made, as usual, amidst the congratulatory
cheers of those present- A slowieh progress was taken in
precisely the same direction as that of the preceding
evening, namely, S.S.W., and whilst remaining fully in
sight of the spectators, illustrations were given of Mr.
Coswell's semaphore system of war signals,

" By means of four differently coloured arms, which
were worked up and down by pulleys from the sides of the
balloon, it was shown how information may be conveyed
of the movements or stratagems of one opposing army to
another. Though the progress across country was slow,
that upwards was rapid, and very soon the aeronauts were
informed that they had attained an altitude of 2300 feet.
Here Mr. Coxwell, after drinking in lemonade the health
of those present, commenced pointing out
teresting features common to such occasions.
of 8000 feet the bells of the Cathedral were distinctly

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 225

heard, as also was the shrill whistle of the engine of a.
train which, like a streak of light, appeared to creep its
way towards the city. At ten minutes past six, when we
were very high, the thermometer was declared to be two
degrees below freezing point ; and about this time, in the
presence of some difference of opinion amongst the
aeronauts as to the names of places below them, they
were facetiously informed by Mr. Coxwell that it was their
privilege to get to high words, but they were not by any
means to fall out. A number of clouds had been observed
to the south-east, and it being the desire to enter one of
them, sand was discharged, and at length, at an altitude
of a mile and 300 feet, the balloon was wrapped in a cold
vapour of such density as to entirely obscure all vision of
things below. Songs, sentimental and comic, were
indulged in, and to the inquiry of, ** Where are we now? '*
a drop of about 1500 feet was made, and disclosed the
situation to be over the road to Tadcaster, whither, a little
to the left, the balloon was gradually drifting.

" Over the village of Bolton, when at an altitude of
2300 feet, distinct answers were given from below to
questions put by the aeronauts. In the extreme extent of
vision the course of the Humber had been observed on the
one side, and the Cleveland Hills on the other, whilst due
south nothing but a perfect flat was observable. Some
remarkably pretty and novel effects were perceived in the
playing of the setting sun upon the clouds which formed
the horizon.

" The fright which appeared to seize upon cattle and
sheep as they pastured on the fields, and the singularity

■936 MY LIFE 4KD

of their appearance from above as they scampered about,
was a Boarce of coDsiderable amusement. At length Ha
party were consulted as to where they would prefer to
alight. Immediately below lay Grimston Park, and the
well-known mansion of its hospitable owuer, and in the
presence of this fact there coold be but one opinion as to
where the journey should end. Mr. Coxwell, therefore,
pointing to a clump of trees, which more like a patch of
winter broccoli dottiug the landscape, remarked that he
would drop within thirty yards of it, and in this respect
he most religiously kept his word. With a nice regulatioa
of the escape valve, the grapnel was brought to drag,
and at once took a hold at the very spot desired, and the
car of the balloon again touched earth even more gently
than had been the ease in the partial ascents which hwl

"Assistance at ouce came running in &om all sides, and
though the noble owner of the estate was absent from
home, a hearty welcome was soon accorded to the party by
the Rev. N. G. J. Starton, of Milford Hall, the vicar of
Kirby Wharfe, whilst the good-tempered features of Mr-
Harris (Lord Londesborough's armourer), glowed with
delight as be gripped the hand of his visitors. To diveet
the balloon of gas, pack it up, and by means of a, convey-
ance kindly tendered from the hall, to send it to the
UUeskelf station was a task of speedy completion ; and a
train happening to pass at the time, a return to the city
and the gala ground was made by the whole party by
about nine o'clock." ^^^_

BALLOON BI^OIIUEKCES. 227

MY PBOFOBAL TO HOLD A FREE^UBONS' MEETING
IN THE CLOCDB.

Mr. J. Pearson of tbe Torkakire Gazette, alluded on the
second day of the fete, to the carrying out of an idea I had
for some time entertained, hat the reporter did not mention
that we had a lady Maaon with us when the novel affair
was spoken of ; any how, it was a fair voyageur named
Mason, who went up and kindly christened the "York

I must leave the rest to the Ckiel amang us, who was
taking notes, and who printed them to this effect : —

" To the fact that the balloon was new, reference has
already been made, and as one of the fair aes in the
person of Mrs. Mason was of its voyagenrs on Wednesday,
to her was accorded the task of christening it. This
ceremony was performed almost immediately before its first
ascent, by the cracking of a bottle of champagne, which
left the balloon with the futare complimentary title to the
city, of ' CoKwell's York Express.' The capacity of the
balloon was 60,000 feet, and v^ith fully this amount of gas
it was inflated on both days. It may be added, that on
Wednesday, it had been intended to have taken up a
number of York Freemasons, to hold a Lodge of the Craft
in the air, and then to have partaken of a banquet impro-
vised for the occasion, but this was an idea which, unfor-
tunately for the interest of the ascent, fell through, in
consequence, as we understand, of some doubt as to whether
such a proceeding would be constitutional. It is Mr.
Coxwell's full intention, however, to carry out the idea at
some early period, of holding a Freemasons' Lodge in the

92S arr ufe akd

clouds. Mr. Coxwcll Ims now completed his 556th gsceiit,
a fact n-htcii iB ila own t«stiinoaj as to the care and intelli-
gence bo lias brongbt to bear in his practice of aerostation.
Xb&n himself, uo other gentleman of his class has bad
Huch important experimental scientific interests intruated
to him in the company of Mr. Olaisber, and his ausaal
retnm to the city will be gladly welcomed iu connection
with future galas. Mr. Coxwell's next ascent in the
* York Express,' will take place early next week from the
Crj'stal Palace, Sydenham, by private arrangement with
Captain F. Woodgate, of Norwood, London, who will be
accompanied by hiu lady and a party of friends."

BALLOON EXPEBIENOES. 229

CHAPTEE XII.

MY NEW BALLOON, ** BRITANNU."

HEN the Daily Telegraph provided its numerous
^JJ^ readers with those varied and entertai^ing letters
on Luck, I could have furnished a small con-
tribution as to lucky and unlucky balloons, but I thought
it better not to introduce my speciality into the discussion,
especially as I am not what may be called an absolute
** believer " in this direction. At the same time I could
easily mention several occurrences in my own experience
which might be viewed as due to the favour of fortune,
and, on the other hand, I could adduce facts which would
certainly not be viewed with satisfaction by the votaries of
the fickle goddess, but as I do not propose to argue the
case here, I will merely state that I have had balloons which
never attained any great age or elevation, although carefully
designed and considerately used, and owing to adverse
circumstances never had more than a limited amount of
success.

For instance, my balloons Sylph, Mars, Queen, Evening
Star, and Mammoth, were the most lucky of my aerial
fleet, as were at a more recent date the York Express and
the City of York. But the Britannia, although she bor
a glorious name, never made more than half-a-dozen
ascents before she came to an untimely and ignominious
end, and in a way, too, which made a great stir throughout

S80 UY LIFE AND

the conntrj, bat aa the nsiug generation will not bnor
jnacb aboat this event, I may as well recapitulate the
leading facta juat aa they were described at the time bj
Diyself and another who was an eye-witness of what
took place ; and as he had never seen mo or my balloon
before, hi» teatimony ia of importance.

BALLOON RIOT AT LBICESTBR.

To the Editor of The Times.
" Sir, — The wanton destmction of my new Britannia
balloon, the burning of the citr in which Mr. Glaisher imd
I have made all the scientific ascents, together with my
own escape from personal injury, are matters sufficiently
important for troubling you with an explanatory letter. I
was engaged to ascend on Monday the 11th, at Leicester,
the occasion being a grand demonstration of the Foresters
on the racecourse, where about fifteen acres had been
closed in, and & special enclosure made for the protection
and inllation of my large balloon, jnat recently constructed,
The subordinate arrangements were not, however, in
harmony with the extensive preparations made before the
Jete day. There was no barrier around the balloon, and
there were, aa I beard stated in the presence of the Town
Clerk, only eight policemen engaj^ed, and throughout the
day I was often left to shift for myself without that
assistance being received which belongs to so great an

"Although 50,000 persons were present, I had to beg
hard for a policeman, but it ia only an act of jnstice to
Bclmowledge that, when one was sent, he proved a most
efficient constable. Early in the afternoon a gentleman,
reported to he a provinciaV BJiiotianlii, ^wio \\, wvi, "Oosi

BAUJOOK BXPEBIBKOBS. 231

llooQ then present was not my largest and newest
Walloon, but a. small one.

" This was a cruel libel, and aroused, I was told, an
angry feeling among the visitors. The lack of policemen
to maintain order soon manifested itself, for on a band
entering the balloon ground, the boards were carried at
once, and thousands of persons broke in and harassed my
operations excessively. It was in vain that I entreated for,
and that several gentlemen succeeded in clearing, an open
space, the deficiency of strong barriers having afforded
access, all subsequent attempts to stop the tide of human
pressure proved unavailing. What made matters worse
was the fact that before the ascent could possibly take
place tbe balloon must needs be removed into an open
space. Considerable time was occupied in pulling down
the scaffold, poles, and hoarding, and those who promised
to do this were found wanting when their services were
most required. At last the balloon was taken out ; but
here we were in a perfect sea of clamouring spectators to
the number of 50,000 persons, no one appearing to under-
stand that any impediment was offered, and yet everybody
(lemauding an instantaneous ascent. A third difficulty was
this — I bad agreed to a share arrangement as to the seats
in tbe car, and those who had paid their money and
obtained tickets pounced into the basket in such a rude
unceremonious manner that all operations were stopped,
and the passengers themselves were preventing their own
departure. One person seated in my car was a disgrace to
his town, as by his gestures and foul language, he excited
the mob, and induced the belief that there existed a dis-

S8S MT LIFE AND

inclination on my part to ascend, whereas I was entreating
for the opportunity of being able to do so with safety to
those who entrusted themselves to my care. The presBDie
of the mob was now bo great that my car was damaged, the
network broken in several places, owing to persons hanging
on to the lower meshes, and a bottle was thrown into tia
balloon, which, by-the-bye, I was not aware of myself at
the time. I now threatened that unless a ring were made,
I would let out the gas, so as not to endanger the Uyes of
my passengers, among whom were two ladies. As I only
got abuse for my earnest appeal, especially from one or
two in the car, I forthwith executed my threat. There
were no doubt ai'onnd me the very scum of the collected
thousands, but I ahonld he sorry to charge them vrith being,
or suppose them to be Foresters. A few, however, certainly
belonged to the order, as they wore the diatingnishing
marks, and I could readily identify them.

" Inspector Haynes and Sergeant Chapman were new
doing honour to the police force, and were battling away
manfully with the crowd. It was brave but hard work, for
nothing short of the destruction of my balloon, and indeed
an attempt on my own life, appeared a sufficient sacrifice.
"While the work of demolition was proceeding. Sergeant
Chapman led me away amid yelling and derison. My
clothes were soon torn, and then the cry was raised, ' rip
him up,' ' knock him on the head,' ' finish him,' &c., all
of which would have inevitably been executed had I not
followed the Inspector's advice, I was kindly sheltered
ftnd protected by Mr. Stone, the Town Clerk of Li
[hose residence ia near the race-course.

BlT

BALLOON EXPEBIENGES. 288

'^ It soon transpired that the car had been made a bon^
fire of, the hoop, that would not burn through, was paraded
in the streets, the balloon itself was torn to shreds, and the
pieces sold at various prices ; and I verily believe that all
this was attributable simply to a want of foresight in not
providing sufficient policemen, to keep in check so large a
gathering of Foresters.

" I remain, Sir, yours obediently,

''HENRY COXWELL,"

" Tottenham, July l^ih,

BY AN EYE-WITNESS.

To the Editor of The Times.
" Sir, — Leicester has been the scene of a disgraceful
riot, on the occasion of the Foresters' jete on the racecourse.
Among the entertainments provided, Mr. Coxwell was to
ascend in his balloon at 5.30. The arrangements for the
keeping of the ground, however, were so bad as to preclude
the possibility of Mr. Coxwell making his necessary, and
of course, most important, arrangements. The temporary
barriers round the balloon were broken down soon after
2 p.m., and the dense mob rushed in, surrounding the
balloon and setting Mr. Coxwell at defiance. But five of
the police force were present, and their efforts were fruit-
less and feeble in the extreme. Mr. Coxwell had a large
party about to ascend with him, and they had to fight
their way to the car. Mr. Coxwell, in my hearing, sent to
the committe for assistance at least a dozen times, to no
purpose. He wanted carpenters to remove the hoarding,
but they were not provided. His position was difficult in
the extreme. He, however, made an eff^ort, but the crowd

UY LIFE ASD

■n4

Bvlnog to the aetting, and ultimately broke it ; he got from
Fthe enclosure still held by the crowd. He could get no
desmnce ; one of the &iichors or grapplers was drugging
persons to the ground, the car became partly detached
from the b&Uoon, when Mr. Coswell opened the valve and
^Allowed the gae to escape. As soon as the mob perceived
ihis they rashed to the baUoon on all sides, clinging,
tearing, and trampling, and then some brutal persons
seized upon Mr. Coxwell, knocked his cap from his head,
tore his coat from skirt to collar, and bustled him in ever;
'direction. He was calm and silent. I lent him my bai,
and called upon the police to protect him, which they tried
to do. We conveyed him to the residence of a Mr. Northr
where I left him. The police were embarrassed and in
helpless confusion ; proposing the toll-house or anywhere,
Mr. Coxwell wished to be taken to a resident justice, the
mob following, execrating him in language too abominable
to be repeated. I never witnessed such barbarous ignorance,
baseness, and injustice, in my life ; I feared Mr. Cosvell
would have been killed. I was knocked down thrice myself
simply for endeavouring to defend him.

" I would add, I never saw Mr. Coxwell before. I write
this on the moment, as the experience of an eye-witness,
and one anxious to do justice to a shamefully ill-used man,
mobbed because he endeavoured to preserve the lives of
the public. Previous to the attempted ascent, one poor

t woman was removed to the infirmary with her back broken,
and many others were injured.
" I am. Sir, yours truly,
I "A VISITOR TO THE FETE."

BALLOON EXPERIENGES. 23&

COMPENSATION FOB THE LOSS SUSTAINED.

A local paper wrote as follows —

** Gircomstances that have taken place during the last'
few days, render it necessary to revert to the occurrences
in Leicester, at the Foresters' fete, on the '11th July last-
On that occasion, it will be remembered, that Mr. Ooxwell's-
balloon was destroyed, its destruction involving, of course,,
considerable pecuniary loss. The Foresters were applied
to for subscriptions for the reimbursement of Mr. Coxwell^
but, as the rules of the Order render a considerable delay
inevitable before the appeal can be made to them as a body,
the result of it will have to be waited for. In the mean-
time, subscriptions were made by some gentlemen of the
town of Leicester, which were handed over to Mr. Glaisher,
the chairman of the London Committee, on behalf of Mr.
Coxwell. To these subscriptions were added a sum of
£886 by Mr. E. S. Ellis, making the total amount from
Leicester, d6500. Thus, it is evident, that public spirit is
still existent in Leicester, in this, its period of unequalled
prosperity, as it ever has been during the long ages of its
history. But, though this large sum was promptly
advanced by Mr. E. S. Ellis, it cannot be supposed that that
gentleman will be allowed to bear so disproportionate a
share of responsibility. The Foresters have their part to
perform, and from their vast numbers, there is no reason
to doubt that they will, as soon as their rules permit them
to act in the matter, do it satisfactorily in every respect.
Their first duty will be to repay to Mr. Ellis the sum he so
generously paid over to Mr. Coxwell. That they will do
this we cannot doubt, nor do we believe that they require^

MT LIFB IHD

»ay prompting to do eo. However this may be, nnder any
eirramstancea, Mr, Ellis must not be allowed to be the
<u9'or<>r. If all other pnrtiee shoald fail in the performance
of their duty towards that gentleman, his townsmen, we feel
■oonTinoed, will take the matter in hand, and epeedily teBtiff
their appreciation of the promptitnde with which he came
forward at the crisis when his aid was required."

MR. QLjUSHEB RENDEBS FBTENDLT AID.

That gentleman espoused ray cause from the first, wliile
Mr. C. J. Carttar, one of the coroners for Kent, acted as
my solicitor, and made an eloquent speech at the Town
Hall, which had a faTOurable influence on the Mayor,
Mr. Ellis, and others.

In London, Mr. Glaiaher formed a committee, and
headed the list himseif, a handsome snm was also given
by his friend Mr. S. W. Silver, who contributed most
liberally. Dr. Corry, and others who had ascended in the
Britannia, took up the canse in Belfast, and many of the
officers of the Life Guards subscribed towards another
balloon which was to be still larger than the lost one,

I remember dining one evening with Captain Bnmaby
And Lieutenant Westcar at the Horse Guards, while the
latter officer was on duty. Mr. Glaisher was of the party,
and while he and the late hero of Sondanese celebrity
were gossiping, I went round the stables with Lieutenant
Westcar, who was nearly as tall, though not so stout or
finely proportioned as Captain Burnaby.

The sentries had been relieved, and the fine helmeted
fellows became to me the subjects of admiration. I was

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 287

not feeling , particularly well myself and made some-
passing remarks about health and strength, and went so
fjEur as to say that I had no doubt that his aerial voyages,
would be recounted in the course of conversation as well
as those of Captain Burnaby's and other oflScers long after
my time.

** It is not at all unlikely," he replied, " that you may
outlive many of us, and although Mr. Glaisher is tea
years your senior, I fancy there is long life in him, and
Professor Owen must have thought so too, or he would
not have spoken as he did at the Newcastle meeting
last year."

This hopeful remark did me no harm, I recollect at the
time, but I certainly never expected that we should see
these noble-looking fellows out, and that we should both
remain after their departure.

ASCENTS IN IRELAND, 1864 AND 1865.

The time has now arrived when I am compelled in order
to complete my Life in this volume, to finish up with
decades instead of successive years, a few typical voyages
being compressed into as small a space as possible.

It was not many days before the destruction of the
** Britannia," that I ascended with that balloon from the
Boyal Botanic Gardens, in Belfast. A cattle show was
held at the same time, and this induced the railway
companies to issue return tickets admitting the bearers to
the Gardens and tiie showyard at reduced rates, the result
being an immense influx of visitors.

Every road leading to Belfast was thronged with visitors

MY UFB ASt>

^^njKgr oonceivablc deacription. The interest taken in
^^^ Sbxt by the townspeople was just as great as ma
-created in the country. A coDtinaotis stream of people,
some on foot, othors on care, and others in carri^eB and
omtubaseB flowed ap the road. The narrow entrance to
the Botanic Gardens was soon blocked np, and the cmBhing
And excitement were tremendous.

It was nearly five o'clock before we got off. The
occapants of the car, besides myself, were Captain
Matthew Hale, Cameronians ; Captain Tnllock, 96lli
Begiment ; Mr. Rowan, 62nd Regiment ; Mr. Alexander
Porter, University Square ; Mr. Robert Singan, a gentle-

Iman from Armagh, and Dr. Corry, Clarendon PlarCe.
Idr. Alexander F. Herdman, Donegal Square, South, uid
Mr. George Mc. Tear, junior, Carlisle Terrace, had to get
■out as there was a stiff breze blowing from the west, but
the "Britannia" rose splendidly, and took an easterly
-direction. Nothing could have been more fortunate than
the course taken for the sightseers in the gardens ; an
opening in the treee enabling them to see the balloon, as
long as it was possible to see at all. The descent was

■ 'made at Lisdoonan.

H In this trip we looked down on two loughs. It may be
H noted that the elevation of Lough Neagh appeared very
H much greater than the other lough, or indeed than what

■ one was led to expect. The magnificent views that we saw

■ all around us — the fertile valley of the Lagan, with the
H -silvery river glittering through it, and the hamlets sleeping
H quietly in the evening sun, formed a scene which caim^^^
K forgotten — as one of the passengers stated. ^^^M

BALLOON EXPEBIENGES. 289

A LEOTXJBE ON BALLOONING.

The evening preceding our ascent I gave a lecture in
the Music Hall, when the chair was occupied by A. J.
Macrory, Esq. The chairman mentioned a circumstance
of which he had been informed respecting the son of Mr.
Glaisher, who was fourteen years of age when he ascended
with us at Newcastle-on-Tyne. This intrepid youth asked
his father for permission to make an ascent with him.
** No, no," replied Mr. Glaisher, " the voyage is perilous,
and you might lose your life." " But," responded the
lad, " my dear papa, if there be danger I may lose my
father, and you can lose but a son."

The son did accompany us as I have elsewhere stated.
Some years afterwards he came out second Wrangler
at Cambridge, and is now the President of the Eoyal
Astronomical Society.

I cannot advert at any length to my lectures, but I
ought to do so in order to be faithful in briefly mention-
ing the chief events of my life, two of which were when I
had the honour of lecturing before His Grace the present
Archbishop of Canterbury, at the time Dr. Benson was at
Wellington College, and before Dr. Bradley, the Dean of
Westminster, when he was Master of Marlborough College,
on which latter occasion Lord Tennyson and his two sons
were present. But the most amusing, and to me the most
extraordinary lecture I ever delivered, was to the deaf and
dumb in the Oxford Street Institution, when the late
Mr. Smith translated what I said with his fingers, and
produced with astonishing rapidity wondrous marks of
approval and interest on the part of the audience just as

'S40 MY LIFE AND

if tho assembled multitade had heard every syllable I
attored.

ABOENI OF MY NEW BALLOON " HE SEARCH,"

PKOM BELFAST, 1865.

I lost no time in replaciug the " Britannia " by anotber
and mnch more beautiful looking balloon, it was also
conaiJerably larger, viz., 20,000 feet in excess of the
" Mammoth," and the decorations alone cost an immense
snm, being executed by a very clever artist named Foot.

The first ascent I made with this balloon was fwm

York, when the Lord Mayor, the atill living Mr. Alderman

Wade, ascended with me. Captain Leslie and Lieutenant

Weatcar of the Royal Horse Guards Blue, and the nbi-

> ^nitons Mr. Smith, being my companions.

I It ascended from the Crystal Palace also, on a vei^ wet

day, and the same year was engaged for the Botanic

Gardens, Belfast, where I ascended early in July, 1865.

The ascent was a decided succeBs, but owing to my having

listened to one, ont of a party of eleven, respecting a suitable

place for landing, an hour had scarcely elapsed when we

fonnd that a struggle for existence was at hand, and that

everything depended upon the way in which it was fought.

The light was a close one, but the wonder is that it did

lot end fatally for more than one of the party.

The following letter from Mr. Runge, a German, is s

I fairly correct version of the trip.

"To the Editor of the Ulster Observer.
Sir, — Bo many contradietory and exaggerated reports
he late balloon ascent having appeared in
my name having been given as authority ft

BALLOON EXPEBIENCE8. S241

^^Koh I have not made, I conceive it my duty to state, as
^^fts as possible, the actual facts of the occnrrence. Before
^^nroceed with the account, I must say, in justice to Mr.
^Hbxwell, that he has behaved throughont, under very trying
ciTCum stances, in a cool and collected manner, and that it
is my firm conviction that the unfortunate accident which
took place, was not the consequence of his mismanagement,
but occurred chiefly on account of the confusion caused by
the excited interference of some of the passengers. When
Mr. Coxwell proposed to descend, he gave to us the strictest
instructions how to behave. He told us to sit down at the
bottom of the basket, with our backs towards the wicker
work, and to leave our limbs in an easy unconstrained
position. He fore-warued us of the heavy knocks and
bumps we should get, and told us we must not mind them,
as it was a very windy day. On landing, he told us to get
out one by one, and not to let go our hold of the car on
any account, as the gas in the balloon was now compara-
tively exhausted, and it had but little buoyancy left. In
spite of Mr. Coxwell's injunctions, some of the passengers
could not be induced to sit down. When the car struck
the ground, and was carried along with great violence,
knocking ns about severely, the excitement got intense.
Some prayed aloud, others shouted to Mr. Coxwell to ' let
off the gaa,' others cried out, 'We are all lost' in short
they behaved in the wildest manner, losing completely
their self-control.

" Several of them now pulled at the valve-cord with

great violence, and there appeared to be a general panic.

We, who sat down, obeying Mr. Coxwell's commands, were

242 HT UFE AND

trampled upon by the others, as if it were a stinggle for

life. Instead of that it was a scramble, each man for him-

self, the more powerful men thrusting back the weaker.

Some of those getting out first abandoned their hold of the

car as soon as they reached solid ground ; others, amongst

whom was Mr. Coiwell, held on, but were obhged to let go,

when the balloon, relieved of the weight of several persona,

I rose again with renewed buoyancy. All this happened in

I but a very few moments, so that when I climbed upon the

I Bide of the basket) the balloon was at least fifteen feet high,

I and I was left with a single companion, Mr. Halferty.

■' Mr. Coxwell and some of the passengers tried to hold
on to the cable, but their strength was not adequate to the
task ; the anchor broke lose and o9' we went, rising to the
height of about 1,000 feet. My companion said calmly,
' the Lord have mercy upon us, our lives are lost ; we had
better be resigned.' I was looking out for the valve-cord
to pull the valve open, but could not find it. At length I
I discovered it entangled in the netting. I pulled it, but
alas ! it had no longer any connection with the valve. My
companion, who saw me occupied with the cordage, asked
me whether I understood the management of a balloon.

"'No,' I replied, 'but if I did, it would bo of little
avail, since the valve cord is broken.'

" Abont the same time I discovered that we were again
falling, so I called out to my companion to cheer up, thab
^ we might yet be saved. We were gradually coming nearer
H the earth, and the anchor was then striking the ground
H &om time to time. I looked out for assistance, but could
^Kcliscorer none in tlie moAratam ^tr^a-maw*. -^c vsfc^e. "Sawii

BALLOON BXPBBIEN0E8. 243

; over. At length I saw several men to wlioiii I
shoutecl out for help. They, however, staring with vacant
gaze, stood motionless like so many statuea. Onward we
swept ; I saw another batch of men, to whom I made the
same appeal, but with a similar result. Some remained
motionless ; a man and a woman ran away at full speed,
and one tall fellow actually dropped on his face, Btmck
down by terror. Onward we swept ; then a fearful
concussion of the car — the grapnel had caught. ' Prepare
for a bump ' I shouted to my companion, and immediately
the balloon surged down, and afterwards the car struck the
ground, Mr. Halferty was pitched quite out by the
violence of the shock, whilst I was thrown against the
netting, and fell back again into the car. I tried to
scramble through the ropes, but I was in an instant again
hoose-high, for the balloon, relieved of the weight of
Mr. Halferty, rose with renewed vigour. Mr. Halferty,
although he had a heavy tumble, did not lose his self-
possession, but immediately caught the cable and tiied to
secure it, but his poor strength was of no avail. The
anchor broke loose and away I went. I did not rise high.
The balloon moved on very soon in a horizontal direction,
straight towards the sea, which we were then rapidly
nearing, at the height of about twice the length of the
mooring cable. The thought had struck me several times
to try by any means to make a rent in the balloon, for
although I had no knife I might have torn the silk with my
teeth. I climbed up a short distance, but then it occurred
to me that as soon as the gas e&c&'^ed V\ie wxclt\«t-^<:]^£A.
strike the ground again, and 1 skoxAi iiti^i "W ^'^ ''

KY UFS AMD

enpport the coDcaBBion while hanging in the netting, as I

B suffering a good deal from the shocks I had anatained.

I descended, therefore, into the car, and to my great rehef

found that I was gradually coming near to the earth- The

anchor struck the ground several times, but never held fast,

scattering about the turf ancl stones like feathers. I saw

some men working in a field, and shouted out to them, ' for

God's sake help me, or I shall be lost ! secure the anchor.'

" They understood my appeal at last, bat too late.

Away we swept before them, the anchor ploughing up the

ground several acres in length. Coming to a farm I

ehouted out to the people standing there, the same appeal.

Some women, with their qnick, humane instinct, were the

first to perceive my danger, and exhorted the men to hurry

to my assistance, they themselves rumiing as fast as they

conld to tender what little help they might be able to give

me. The anchor stuck in a willow-tree. I shouted out to

the people below to secure the cable and anchor by ropes,

which they did. The evening was now beautifully still,

the breeze had died away, and the balloon was swinging

calmly at her moorings above the farm yard. One of the

men asked me whether I had a rope with me, or how I

intended to get out. I told them only to take care of tie

L cable, because the balloon would settle down herself hye-

I and-bye. I was congratulating myself on a speedy escape

1 from my dangerous position. I had not counted on the

I wind; a breeze, in about six or eight minutes, sprung up,

I tossed the balloon about like a large sail. A crash — and

I — the anchor was loose ag,am. It tore through the trees,

Kjfmgixig limbs andbranctes sftron^^^^'ta^'w^'Bft- ^^-SwwsSfc^

BALLOON SSPEBIENCES. 245

tiie roof of the farmhouse, splintering the chimneys and
tiles like glass. On I went ; I came near another farm,
shonted out for help, and told the men to secure the
anchor to the foot of a large tree close by. The anchor
was soon made fast, but this was only a momentary relief.
The breeze again filled the half-empty balloon like a sail ;
there was a severe strain on the cuble, then a dull sound,
and a severe concussion of the basket ; the cable, strange
fatality, had broken ; and the anchor, my last and only
hope was gone. I was now carried on in a straight
direction towards the sea, which was but a short distance
ahead. The anchor being lost I gave up all hope. I sat
down resigned in the car, aad prepared for the end. All
at once I discovered that a side current was drifting me
towards the mountain, the cai struck the ground, and was
dashing along at a fearful rate, knocking down stone fences, 11
and breaking everything it canae in contact with in its wild
career. I think I must have gone at least at the rate of
ten or twelve miles an hour. Almost certain death seemed
before me, yet to jump out on this passage would have
ensured my being dashed to pieces on the rocky ground
beneath. I was tossed about in the basket as the peas in
a child's rattle, and cannot comprehend at this moment
that my hones were not all broken. Bye-and-by, the knocks
became less frequent ; we were passing over a cultivated
country, and the car was, as it were, skimming the surface
and grazing the top of the hedges. I saw a thick hawthorn
hedge at some distance before me, and the balloon rapidly
sweeping towards it ; that was my only chance— I rushed |
to the edge of the car, and &Tmg -nigft^ ^.tyHii. ■Q?it«i.'&«k

JU6 VY LIFE AMD

bc^ge. I expected a severe tumble, but had a mild M.
The car did not, as I feared, strike me, but the moment I
left it rose over my head. I sbd down geutlj on the other
side of the hedge. I rose on my feet, and then tried eveiy
limb. They were whole, and I need not describe mj
feelings at this almost miraculous preservation. When I
looked up I saw the balloon soaring majestically over the
sea, froia which I was about a quarter of a mile distant.
My strenrrth now almost forsook me, my lips were parched
with thirst, and it was with pain and difQculty I was able
to walk. I was almost too weak to climb over a little fence.
Seeing some people at a distance, I tried to call for
assistance, but my voice failed me, and I could not speak.
I descended the hill slowly, and walked towards the httle
village of Wftterfoot. As I went along I regained soma
strength. The good people of Waterfoot were full of
kindness and sympathy, and I acknowledged their good
tact, as, instead of importuning me by too much curiosity,
they left me quietly to repose. Whilst I was lying up
stairs on a sofa, a gentleman from Ballymena inquired for
me, and kindly offered me a seat ou hia car and a bed in
his house. I rode on with him to Ballymena, where I
arriyed at midnight, I was most hospitably received by
Mr, and Mrs. Patterson. It was there that I met also my
late companion, Mr, Halferty, who bad heard of my resciie
and came to inquire after me. Altogether my solitary and
not uneventful journey through the air occupied I think,
about three quarters of an Lour, and the distance I travel-
led cannot have been loss than ten miles.

" X am, ail, ■jo^h o\>fti!\feiA wsvhmA-,

' Sows "^ftsi-swi ^ic^tas.?

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 247

"Greenock, Jvly 5th. — A message has been received
this morning from the chief coast officer at Bowmore,
Islay, intimating that a balloon wa^ found on Laggan
shore early yesterday morning, in which were four top-
coats and two hats, filled with sand ; also, a piece of a
newspaper, headed Northern Whig, Belfast, 1st inst. No
person was found in the vicinity."

Mr. fiunge's description of the way in which the last
two passengers re-ascended is not exactly correct.

It was just at the moment when they were down and
being trodden upon, that I gave the order for all hands to
jump out while the balloon was dragging over the ground.
I quite thought that I was the last to spring when the
" Research *' very slowly went up, which I could have
prevented if the valve line had not been pulled down by
two or three persons tugging at it — no wonder it gave
way — our escape was indeed astonishing, and Mr. Runge's
was something more, it was clearly throughout a Provi-
dential rescue, the iron-bound coast and a boiling sea being
at hand and our pace being faster than described.

I had the " Research " back from Scotland in many
pieces, and ascended with it after elaborate repairs were
executed, but I should not have decided upon carrying
these out save for the circumstances under which the
balloon was paid for by subscriptions from Leicester and
London, as well as Belfast and elsewhere.

ME LIFE AND

CHAPTER XIII.

WAS BALLOONS AND A SEW METHOD OF FILLING THEM.

fERY importaot are the interesting esperiuients in
this direction, which took place at Fiirstenwalde, in
the presence of Colonel Swaine, C.B.j and the
«faief of the Balloon Department of the Prusaian army.
They aaggest at the present moment a retrospective glance
at this subject, as the English aeronauts are not, I sboald
Bay, far in adyanuo of their Continental rivals ; it ia,
perhaps, donbtful when we read of this new method of
producing gas, whether English aeronauts are not behind
&e Germans, so that it becomes a (question whether we have
not devoted too much time and attention to the revival of
old plans instead of inventing new methods.

It appears to me that if we refer to one noteworthy
application of the balloon in warfare, we shall perceive
that, BO far as a really useful survey goes, we have not
„progreased much ; certainly vre have not surpassed, even if
Tve have equalled, the exploit to which I will refer.

I have been lookiEg over an article which appeared more
than a quarter of a century since, and which shows that on
the field of battle one of the old school of baUoonista
rendered more service to the state and to the army
employing his balloon, than any modern discoverer s^^
r can call to mind. ^^H

i -J

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 249

It may not be uninteresting to allude to the event, as it
is of historical value.

After the Austrians had crossed the Mincio with their
whole force, and then re-crossed it with 200,000 men, they
fixed the contemplated surprise of the enemy at nine
o'clock in the morning.

"The Emperor of the French," said The Times,
"representing the juvenile irregular force, refused to be
surprised; he sent a man up in a balloon, and, at the
expense of a few yards of silk and a few square feet of
gas, is told the exact position of all those masses which
are drawn up so scientifi^cally out of his sight with the
intention of surprisiag him at the comfortable, leisurely
hour of nine a.m.

" Napoleon m. attacks at daybreak, chooses his own
time, and remains master of the field."

The civilian aeronaut was M. Godard, but whether that
balloonist was liberally paid for his useful services, I am
not able to say.

It is not very long since that the Italians figured most
creditably with a British bullock-skin balloon in Abyssinia,,
and had a really useful survey of their opponents.

Most galling must such deeds as these appear to Joha
Bull. We can imagine him pointing to Alexandria and
Tel-el-Kebir, enquiring as to the absence of balloons, and
asking about the work accomplished at Suakim.

It is true that at the Bed Sea littoral, balloons ascended,
and the gas was conveyed from Chatham ; that was excel-
lent work, but the wind has since been taken out of our
sails, and the Italians know quite a^ TDLU<fitL^i<5rt\^'s»k^y5j^

' SfiO UY LIFE AHD

aideration probably, and they have operated farther south
with British maoufactared balloons, which brings ns to

r inqnire who really first invented this style of balloon.

I I hsTe shown in the first volume of my experiences that
Urge and small skin balloons were made in London more
than fifty years ago, and I can vouch for it that Weinling,
senior, made two cigar-shaped skin balloons for me in the
year 1860, and that the original balloon imparted the
principle which was explained more fully later on by the
maker.

The two sidn balloons which the elder Weinling made
for me were precisely similar in size, but not in substance
or appearance. One of these balloons was much stouter
than the other, and was put together on a difi'erent
principle. I Found after careful examination that it was
the keystone to the arch, and that it revealed one of the
secrets as to how skin balloons were made ; this plan was,
I found, essentially difi'erent to the way in which silk or
cloth balloons are constructed.

How I came to obtain this original production was in
this wise : — I had been exhibiting a model made by
Weinling, which I was about to direct and steer in the
Crystal Palace ; the machinery part of this balloon, with
the screw propellers, were designed by a Mr. Steward,
an ingenious amatenr aeronaut, and some time afterwards
I required a duplicate balloon for lectures, and one that
if possible, tighter, as the slightest escape of gas
would not do in a limited space where ladies would he
present, bo that I said " never mind appearances ; what I
want ia a gas-tight eVong&lei '^eKiw>'». "^^ lfc^H,\ws^Vi

BALLOON E^ERIBNCES. 251

nearly four in diameter ; in fact, the size of the one yon
have supplied me with as near as can be."

"If that be the case," said Weinling, "just come along
with me to Mr. Herron, the dealer in toys and skin
balloons at the Crystal Palace," and there I was shown
one apparently of the same size, but it was dusty and had
been placed on one side in a drawer.

Well, this was more of the bladder or bullock-skin
substance, and I asked if I could have that.

** Yes," was the reply, " but I should have to pay
double for it." I took it, however, at his own valuation,
and when I came to examine it minutely, I discovered the
plan of its construction.

Of course, I am not going to disclose what very little,
probably, I know about the making of skin balloons, but
that there are secrets connected with their manufacture,
I feel certain, and from what I was informed of the process
of preparing and uniting the skin, I have no doubt but that
considerable skill is required, not only in commencing, but
in completing this kind of material.

The Prime Minister, in his reply to Lord Wolseley's
remarkable speech in the House of Lords, used these
encouraging words : — " We are deeply sensible of the
debt we owe to experts, and how carefully we should
consult and weigh their opinions."

In ballooning there are not very many persons who are
entitled to be considered experts, while on the other hand
there are several who have resuscitated original ideas
which have been for a time obscured or lost, so far as
public recollection goes.

352 U7 LIFE AKD

The plan of usiiig compreBsed gas is not wholly novel
Medical men aad others who have used for many years the
Nitrons oside gas, condensed in portable iron cylinders,
mast be aware of this, and those who have seen bow coal
gas is pressed into receivers for use in the undergroniid
railway trains, must know that a first principle, and tbe
practical application thereof, are totally different things
altogether.

I have no desire to detract from the merit of conveying
gas to distant parts in this fashion, although the German
aeronauts consider that it ia unsafe, owing to the efiects of
sudden changes of temperature.

Dr. Majert, the distingnished chemist, and Lieutenant
Kichter, have produced on the spot, in a more simple and
mneb quicker way, the required inflating power, to be had
&om an apparatus which can go whereTer a field gnn can
be dragged, and it will bo forthcoming two hours after a
certain heating process is set to work in what is called the

IEntwickler, which has, above a furnace, several parallel
layers of retorts, into which are thrust cases like railway
carriage warmers, filled with a viixture of zinc dust and
hydrate of Ivne, which is speedily converted into hydrogen
gas.

Should this answer, it will simplify and expedite the
process of filling.

The most recent news in reference to tbe conveyance of

k hydrogen gas in tubes, appeared in Galignani's Messenger
of May 24tb, and is the hrst intimation X have had of a
war balloon being filled in England by civilian bands after
ie method ado^pled ty ora ■cfi\\\\:M'j

BALLOON EXPERntHCKB.

iragraph is to the following effect: — "The war balloon
|Bookwood' made an ascent from Swansea racecourse
eently ; after crosBing the Bristol Channel safely, it
inded at Simonsbath in SomersetsLire. An air cnrrent
at first carried it inland, but ultimately it returned. The
balloon was inflated with pure hydrogen gas from tubes
which had been charged at Birmingham and conveyed to
Swansea." Professor Baldwin informed me that he haa
used hydrogen sent iirom Birmingham.

Since these remarks were penned, poor Mr. Joseph
Simmons met with a terrible disaster at Ulting, near
Maldon, in Essex, on August 27th, which unfortunately
terminated in his death. This daring and experienced
aeronaut had with him in his wirework car Mr. W. L.
Field, a photographer from Brighton, and Mr. Miers, of
the Natoral History Museum, South Kensington. These
gentlemen were both injured, aud it ia much to be feared
that the'entire structure of the balloon "Cosmo" was of
a weak and imperfect character. The netting, it was said,
appeared to bo too thin, and the meshes too large, they
were not sufficiently numerons for a balloon of 63,000
cnbic feet capacity. Then the valve was so small that the
gas did not escape quick enough after the machine became
anchored in a tree ; when at last the network gave way the
balloon itself broke through, and the wire or chainwork
car, together with aa iron hoop, fell heavily to the ground;
bad it been made of cane and wicker, the aeronaut and his
passengers might not have been seriously injured. Mt.
SunmoaB bad crossed the ChaoneV m^ ^\t QJis-^i&iB ^R-

Crespigny, and with otb«i passengers, several timea
during the last few years of his career.

A PBESEHTATIOK.

An illuminated address from the Committee of the
York Gala, was presented to me at the Imicheon in tlie
year 1882, the following is a copy : —

■' Dear Sir, — The Committee of the Grand Yorkshire
Gala in meeting you on this, the twenty-fourth anniyeraaiy
of your balloon ascents from the ancient City of York,
desire respectfully to offer for your acceptance this per-
manent regard for your personal character, and of the
high estimation in which they hold your professional
services, not only as adding to the pleasure of the many
thousands who have witnessed from the gronncia in which
we are now assembled, but in promoting the interests of
scientific research, as attested by your memorable ascents
with Mr. Glaisher, and other occasions of the highest
scientific value and importance.

*' During the many years yon have been associated with
the Grand Yorkshire Gala, you have never disappoinUd
U3, and for this we feci that we owe to yon our heartiest
and especial thanks. We earnestly trust that this
Association may yet be long continued, and that it may
please God to bless the declining years of your life with
all the solace and happiness which you could for yourself
desire to enjoy.

" Signed on behalf of the Committee : — Joseph Tebei
(Chairman), Edwaed Bwosa (yice-Gftairmajj), Jobefs
W1LKIN6ON {Trmmrtf), Sohs "^meo^ \,&eCTe.Vw^V

BALLOON EXPEBIENGES. 265

FORMING A GERMAN BALLOON CORPS.

In the summer of 1870 Mr. S. J. Mackie, C.E., who
was well acquainted with scientific ballooning, called on
me to ask if I would go to Cologne with two of my
balloons for the purpose of raising a detachment of
military aeronauts. I accepted the offer, and found that
an American balloonist had also been engaged for a similar
object, but this gentleman's services were to be devoted to
experiments of a tentative character with his fire balloon,
while my endeavours, as may be presumed, were confined
to the principles and practice of ascents with gas balloons.

We were each appointed to separate stations at two of
the government gasworks, situate some distance apart, but
as the Montgolfier plan, which was simply dependent upon
heated air, did not succeed, the fire balloon was then
transformed into a gas balloon ; the time, however,
occupied *in accomplishing this work so delayed the pro-
ceedings that this part of the programme was abandoned,
and I had to proceed with my assistant, Mr. Barker, to
carry out a series of captive ascents. These were satis-
factory to the commanding officer, who frequently issued his
orders to inflate and go up, notwithstanding fresh winds,
so that the various tests were at times no child's play ; but
as I was accredited as an experienced instructor, the
officers were ever ready to face all dangers, and they
acquired information in a proper, legitimate way, instead
of picking it up from outsiders, and trusting to their own
performances without competent teaching.
During one of these ascents 1 aaN<i ^ke^ \»x^\si ^■wes^^'^is^^

fifi6 MT LIFE AND

oontained the Emperor Napoleon, who was proceeding,
after the battle of Sedan, on his way to captivity.

In Cologne, where I had previously ascended in the yeor
1848, I met an old friend who knew Mr. Abraham Kiipper
of Elberfeld, this was no other than Herr Director Pepys,
of the town gasworks, an influeDtial personage, aad well
known to the commandant and the authorities ; throngii
the kind attention of my countrj-man, Mr. Pepys, who
was a typical Englishman, we got over many difficulties as
to going up in stormy weather, the risks of so doing being
fblly explained in a way which proved convincing aud
satisfactory.

As my balloons were disposed of to the German Govern-
ment, I returned to England to fulfil engagements and to
repliice tliose which had been sold ; my assistant, Mr.
Barker, on the other hand, went to Strasburg with the
newly-formed corps, and one balloon was used, but owing
to the capitulation the services of my representative were
not further needed.

The instructionH I had given, however, were not lost, as
may be gathered from the present efficiency of the Prussian
Military Aeronauts, who have now their own entirely new
system of generating gas on the spot, and who do not
imitate other nations, but invent for themselves.

A FRENCH AERONAUT AND HIS WIFG AT SEA.

In the year 1874, M. Duruof set out from Calais on
August 31st, with the intention of crossing the sea to
England. The weather was not favourable for the under-
taking, but the aeronaut had been taunted with cowardice,
and this naturally offeniei Xio'fiii.'^.'^^tcNuA 'ij.-oSi.\iv& -wSa.^

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 257

who were at their hotel, and they left the table abruptly,
saying that they would show the people of Calais that they
were not afraid to die. The car was hastily attached to
their balloon and they ascended at 7 p.m., with only a few
bags of sand, and were soon out of sight over the Channel.
They drifted about all night, and in the morning were
over the North Sea. They had been ten hours in the air,
and were two hours dragging through the water. At last
the captain and mate of the smack ^* Grand Charge,'*
reached them, and they were rescued, but the balloon sped
away towards Norway. In London, and, indeed, through-
out the United Kingdom, great sympathy was evinced
towards the Duruofs, and I was glad myself to oflfer them
the use of one of my balloons to enable them to ascend
from the Crystal Palace, where several passengers paid
well for accompanying them in their trip. I took care that
this sum should be added to their other receipts, and
altogether they did fairly well before returning to Paris.

I had also the pleasure of making a collection for the
brave fishermen who saved them from a watery grave, and
of forwarding to the Mayor of Great Grimsby a considerable
sum for their benefit. The late Colonel Burnaby was one
of those who ascended from Sydenham on the occasion,
and was delighted thus to contribute towards the restora-
tion of the lost balloon.

MY LAST PUBLIC ASCENT.

In many respects this was one of the most singular of
my experiences. It was made on June 17th, 1885, the
eve of Waterloo day. About this time there waa «» y^Ujr^
accident not tar off, and an eartiliqualsifi ^o(^,^\sl^^'^^^^**

258 MT LIFB AND I

in York, bo that the "omen" party were consideiately "
tendering waminge to "mind what I was abont"; and
these occairences might have kept back some of the more
snperstitioaB &om attempting to explore the skies, bnt to
mo they afiforded an opportanity of conspicuonsly illna-
trating the safety of aerial Toyages when compared with
terrestrial journoya ander difiBcnlties.

The York Herald stated that, " Distinct shocks of earth-
quake were felt at Pontefract, Knottingley and Ferry Bridge,
at the latter place the inhabitants were rnnning oat of their
dwellings in fear, articles even, falhng from shelves, and
walls rocking for a brief period. The ehock was felt at
York and other places, and there was also the railway
accident not far from the Gala groands, so that those who
jonrneyed a moderate distance from the earth's surface in a
balloon, were probably in less actual danger than many
who considered themselves perfectly safe below." Whether
this idea created any fear as to the seismic wave causing
fresh roiling of crockery, and of other chattels being
materially damaged, I cannot say, bat the candidates for a
journey aloft were very nnmerooB dating the ffete, which
lasted three days.

I myself, ascended on the first day, and the following
gentlemen accompanied me, — Major Allenby, Brinkworth ;
Mr. W. Coates, Helperby ; Messrs. Armstrong and W.
Heslop; I forget whether Mr. George Browne and Mr.
Cooper ascended on that day or on the following. The
Minster bells rang out a merry peal as we started, and one
of the military bauds struck up the tune inseparable fi-om
a balloon ascent, " OS aiie &oe*," kiA \iaJs. "^ -ii

. ^

BALLOON EXPEBIENOES. 259

little of that audacity which is so frequently met with in
i}hese latter days, by pretending to be a steering aeronaut,
such an attempt would have passed muster, for it is a fact
that the balloon made very nearly a circuit of the York
suburbs, owing to a cyclonic movement of the atmosphere,
and this enabled the ** City of York '* balloon to perform a
stately and ceremonious farewell greeting, which was
admirably suited to the occasion.

Next day, and the evening following, Mr. Thomas
"Wright, the well-known Crystal Palace aeronaut, became
my deputy, and acquitted himself in first-rate style. That
gentleman had kindly and efSciently assisted me on some
previous occasions, taking charge of my balloon, and com-
mending himself to the committee and to the visitors no
less than to the aerial voyagers, by his straightforward
conduct; he has, since become a regular yearly attendant
with balloons of his own, at the York Gala, and is ably
supported by his friends Mr. Lewis Hammett and Mr.
Dale, who have both had considerable experience in
hallooning ; so that with their united efforts this feature of
the entertainment is not likely to fall into the hands of those
who are incompetent, or who have not deserved to succeed
as Mr. Wright has done, both as regards his dealings with
me and the Directors of the Gala.

HT lilFB AHD

APPENDIX.

0BO8SIKG THE ATLANTIQ WITO A BALLOON.

fHE first proposal to undertake thia daring feat was
made by Mr. C. Green in the year 1840, and his
scheme, as ontlined on paper, contained a reasonable
amount of forethooght and calculation.

The experienced aeronaut expressed himself ready to
give his services gratuitously, if there should be found
among the wealthy patrons of his art persons sufficiently
disposed to favour the attempt. But such were not forth-
coming in his day and generation, so that Mr. Green
finished his vocation by journeying overland, and died a
natural death in bis bed.

That an expedition of this character would prove costly
has, since the veteran's time, been practically ascertained
by enterprising men in America and France, who have
actually prepared equipmenta, without, however, up to the
present time, having committed their aeronauts to the
real oceanic test, so that it is, after all, a matter as yet of
mere theory, and the respective aspirants have not entered
npon any preliminajj fi\^te o-^et ^fe&\, ^tcJufJiaa of sea
(Bay one sixth of ttie 'bTee.SA'h, tA -Oaft fe^'iN».-oS\t ^csk^^-s,

BALLOON ESPEBIENCES.

^■York to Ireland), so that their confidence mast be great
• or they never would risk their reputations and snbject
themselves to the shafts of ridicule, which are almost sure
to pursue and be the fate of those who seriously pledge
themselves to do a certain kind of deed, and then either
break down in trying to carry it out, or, what is infinitely
more stupid and ignoble, never seriously attempt it.

At present, therefore, owing to the absence of any note-
worthy or reliable start over the broad waters of the
Atlantic, we can only read, mark, and meditate about the
programme offered for inspection, and by compariBon,
together with the exercise of common sense, judge which,
all things considered, is the best and safest plan — if safety
be in any way an admissible term for work which, by a
general consensus of opinion is allowed to be extremely
uncertain and perilous.

Although Mr. Green's plan was never tried, it deservesi
irom an aeronautic point of view, to stand in the front
^■Taok, because it takes into consideration the different
^patmo spheric changes and conditions which would be most
likely to present themselves, aud also because we get in
figures the effects of expansion in proportion to the
elevation attained, and these correspond with inches in
barometrical measurement, which will astonish many
persons, and some few aeronauts probably, who little
suspect what an impoverishment of the gas goes on from
the time a balloon leaves the earth, not only from leakage,
bat from large volumes which are forced out of the safety
yalve owing to diminished pressure of the air, and (yiictl^
as the balloon riBes into apace.

8 Vrt LIFE AND

TbiH most imporbtnt factor clearly detnonBtratea that if
Ibe bttUoon moants very high, with the idcia of rising IdIo
zua« of nir wliicli ia preatimed to blow in the desired
'dircctiou, tlie loss of gas will be something enormoQB eres
■t thv output of tlie voyage, in order to obtain a favourable
place ID th« fiasteru current.

AllAwing that Mr. Green's comjiutfttions are correct, it
if moHt desirable to remember that when a balloon, say of
80.000 cubic feet capacity gets 3000 feet high, it Idbbs
8000 feet of its gaseous contents, an enormous percentage
even supposing it was fully charged at starting ; this
rsBiUt is in consequence of three inches of pressure being
removed, a condition of things which demands an equiva-
lent of 28S pounds of ballast by way of compensation, so
that if excessive elevation is to be attained on a long trip,
the stock of gas is seriously impaired by the primary effort
to seek a suitable current, and as a balloon mast rise
higher and higher every fresh curve it makes, the exhaustive
process must go on with sure and rapid strides, so that
the life of a balloon, so to speak, cannot be of long
dnration unless some such plan as that proposed by Mr.
Green is adopted to obviate the necessity of going very
high.

Across the hoop to which the netting is secured, and
&om which the car is suspended, he intended to have a
vrindlass to haul in or let oat a rope of 2000 feet in length,
and to the lower extremity of this a namber of small
vaterproof canvas hags were to be attached, with their
apertures kept open by means of small linge of suitable
material fixed in such a manner that when drawn through

BALLOON EXPEBIENCES. 268

the water the entrance of the fluid would be free, but its
return would be impossible ; between these, and at stated
distances, a number of small conical copper floats were to
be disposed so as to serve the purpose of supporting the
length of the rope when it reached the water in consequence
of the depression of the balloon. When the lower portion
of this rope descended, it would rest on the surface of the
sea, owing to the buoyancy of the floats, and would lighten
the balloon of its weight, and still keep it from rising very
high in the event of a slightly varying distance from the
water, caused by change of temperature.

As to how long ^^this recovery of position would be
maintained is another question, depending upon the con-
dition of the balloon, and the state of wind and weather,
which might interfere with such delicate contrivances,
especially if it came on to blow hard, when these fragile,
but ingeniously conceived, machines might prove of little
use, and the aeronauts might meet with the fate of
M. L'hoste and his companion, M. Mangot, or of the
Belgian military aeronauts in their recent attempt to cross
the Channel, although their balloon was not lost in the
angry waters before they could be rescued.

This regrettable disaster showed that appliances which
are all very well in theory, and which may do in the air,
are utterly useless when brought in contact with the
rough sea.

As Mr. Green's plan was never tried, it is impossible to
say how it would have succeeded ; in a moderately still
air current it's action might perhaps have been in accordance
with his expectation, but in such a wind as would appear

n LDIE uto

^Blo be Et^nifirte Cor aoaang the Atlantic, I should entertain

^H 4oobts B> to ftOT latiflbietorT result.

HsTing explftined the menus soggested for preserring
the KsoenBiTe power of his balloon, it now remains to
mllikde to ihe direction of faer coarse. To govern Qna Mr.
Oteeo did not propose the nse of any kind of ateering
^puKtns or propelling power, he relied upon taking
sdnatage of the natnraJ carrents of air which, according
to bis own ohserrationB, and those of nautical men, skilled
in Uie ioTestigation of the meteorology of the Atlantic
Ocean, jngtiSed him in depending opon an air current
snfGciently favora-ahle for the purpose.

He believed that there were two distinct classes of
cmrents — one that governs the motion of the atmosphere
in its higher region, and the other which produced the
strata more immediately contiguons to the surface of the
earth and the sea ; he had always noticed uniformity of
the wind at a certain elevation, varying occasionally, but
always within 10,000 feet of the earth, blowing from the
west, or rather from the north-west, and though he did
not assert — and this is most important for M. Jovis to
remember — that such must be the case over all portions of
the terraqueous globe, yet he thought that a conditirai not
very dissimilar may characterise the more elevated regions
throughout their whole circuit.

That there are seasons when the wind blows from certain
quarters long experience has distinctly proved ; but it does
not always happen, as we know by the deviation of the

H atorma which have had a'definite route forecast, and which

^■^er all change to an extent snfGcient to upset the

BALLOON EXPEBIENCES. 265

sanguine hopes of those who rely upon unswerving
accuracy in a tolerably direct line, and may not prevail to
bring a balloon towards the shores of Great Britain.

Mr. Green suggested a water drag to check the speed of
the balloon should the wind change, and a number of
imitators have fathered this as well as many other devices,
but how the canvas drag would act in a heavy sea, and
what the behaviour of the balloon would be under such
circumstances we cannot yet determine from trials on the
Atlantic waves.

Green furnished his imitators with the excellent idea of
starting from the American instead of the English or
French side, the air currents being more constant and
reliable from New York to Europe, than from our country
to the American Continent.

After his declared readiness to attempt the voyage, there
followed, in the year 1873, a counterblast from over the
water which was equally, if not more pretentious, though
it came from men who were far less entitled to notice than
the British champion balloonist. At first, one Donaldson,
an actor, who had turned aeronaut, endeavoured, about
fifteen years since, to procure means in Boston, U. S., to
enable him to cross the Atlantic in a balloon : he failed in
this, but his effort attracted the attention of the managers
of The Daily Graphic, who soon after contracted with him
and Mr. Wise, a better known and more scientific man, to
make the experiment. The Graphic people, we are told
by Mr. S. A. King, himself a well known aeronaut, undoubt-
edly, went into the undertaking in good faith. They were
led to believe in the existence of a constant easterly air

Wo MY LEFB AND

current, and were mistakea in believing it possible to
maintain a balloon long enougb to make the voyage snccesB-
fol. They placed at the disposal of Wise and Donaldson
more than the amount stipulated for, as neeesBary to
construct the apparatus, and every requisite was provided.
The balloon was constructed and despatched from Brooklyn
in a strong gale setting directly oceanward, bat M'ise had
declined to go as expected, and Donaldson ascended,
accompanied by two representativea of the Graphic. The
balloon rose to the height of a mile, but over the eastern
extremity of Long Island, it encountered a storm moving
northward, and it finally descended in New Canaan,
Connecticut. The boat they carried on this trip weighed
nearly two tons.

Mr. King, the American aeronaut, whose interesting book
gives particulars of his proceedings, snceeeded in inflating
the huge Graphic balloon, and Donaldson poasessed the
courage, but not the judgement for such an experience, i
he might have succeeded, it was thought, in making a
voyage of at least a thousand miles by sea instead of
five hundred over land.

The Graphic held an enormous amount of gas, and ii
addition to the passengers, and a most ample store o
pronsions, clothing, and other aceessoricB, carried the
sea-worthy boat ah-cady mentioned. She was despatched in
a gale of wind blowing due enet on the morning of October
6th, 1873, and had she been in charge of a more skilful
navigator, would have made a much longer voyage.

On a later occasion, June 2Srd, 1875, Donaldson ascended
with a smaller baWoon, taVio^ -w^ftv "torn. '&.\^ \ifi^-*K«,.

BALLOON EXPEBIENCES. 267

They were carried out over Lake Ontario, and finally
through loss of gas, descended to the water, through
which they were dragged, clinging to the ropes for many
miles, and were finally picked up by a small boat from a
passing schooner.

The death of Donaldson in a lake on July 15th, 1875,
is an impressive commentary on the perils of a transatlantic
voyage, and may have an instructive bearing on the subject
under consideration ; he had ascended from the Hippodrome,
Chicago, at 5 p.m., and was accompanied by Newton S.
Grimwood, of the Chicago Evening Journal, who had
disputed with another reporter for a seat, and whose fatal
lot was decided by the toss of a coin. The balloon held
88,000 cubic feet, and departed with about 800 pounds of
ballast. It rose to the height of a mile and floated to the
north-east, over the lake, at the rate of fifteen miles an
hour. At 7 p.m., the Little Guide, a small craft, sighted
the balloon ; it was then occasionally dipping its basket in
the lake, only a mile and a half away. The schooner
headed for it, but before it could overtake it, there seemed
to be a sudden lightening of the car, and the balloon shot
upwards to a great height and soon disappeared. This was
the last ever seen of it. That night a terrific storm swept
down upon the lake. How the two men met their fate was
never known, but on the 16th of August, the body of
Grimwood was found on the east shore of Lake Michigan,
near Stony Creek, and it was fully identified; his boots
and hat were missing, and around the body was a broken
life preserver. Of Donaldson and the balloon no trace has j
ever been discovered.

SSS MY LIFE AND

In the year 1878-9, Mr. S. A. King wag mstrnmental in
forming an Aeronantical Society, and during the winter,
the whole field of aeronautics was carefully explored mth
a view of ascertaining the most feasible plan of proceeding
on a transatlantic voyage in a balloon of hia own
constraction. An Aasoeiation was formed to enable him
to enter upon the execution of his plans. The New Ymk
Herald editorially commented as follows.

" The hitherto insuperable difficulty of sustaining a
balloon at a great altitude against the loss of lifting power
by leakage, the increase of weight by absorption of
atmospheric moisture, by contraction at low temperatures,
gradual loss of ballast, and so forth, Mr. King claims to
have overcome. Having thus, as he believes, secured hia
ability to keep up, he proposes, in due season, to attempt
to cross the Atlantic in the air. Certainly, Mr. King has
solved a very important factor if he can keep his balloon
afloat for a month at a time. It is significant of the hand-
in-hand march of science, that this aeronaut dednces, from
the continued sacoesses of the Herald in predicting the
arrival of storms on the European coasts, the certainty of
traversing the Atlantic on the same aerial path as those
atmospheric disturbances. "What directs the storm will
direct the balloon, since the balloon is the slave of the
wind.

"A discovery like that, now so fully tested, of fore-
casting the path of stonus, continually opens up still
greater possibilities, and the establishment of aerial
commnnication with Euio^e, fantastic as the thought ha^
appeared to the fhongb.fte'B*, Ha ows ft«i.*t-ns».i -wfii.

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 269*

a fascination for the pioneers of science. We shall watch
the growth of his project with lively interest.'*

After making the most elaborate preparations some
hitch must have occurred about the start, as I have
never yet heard that it was made, so that King in the-
New World, and Green in the Old, besides Donaldson^
Wise and others, have acted as pioneers in designing
different modes of ballooning the Atlantic, and now it
appears Captain Jovis has come forward with his own
peculiar and special design, " to do the thing or perish in
the attempt ; '* and when a practical man, who is no
novice in the upper regions, and who has given proof of
not being afraid to face the sea, proclaims his intention
positively to cross, it fully entitles his solemn pledge to
careful attention, although it is devoutly hoped that the
literal execution of his plan will not only be delayed to
the fall of the year, but that many succeeding falls may
pass away ere the intrepid Frenchman and his five com-
panions venture well out upon the Atlantic.

Some points of resemblance to the American manifesto
may be seen in Captain Jovis* composition, which has
little of the style and caution of Green about it. Thus
we notice a ** life-boat in the rigging," which is essentially
nautical, though in opposition to everything aeronautical.
Then a car on a novel principal has a ring of Nadar about
it, when he resolved to build one like a house or cottage.
This car of the sea captain's is not to be round, as they
generally have them in France, but ** roughly square,"
and divided horizontally by " a wooden de«k" ^^s^^^^^^sssSa.
will rise a gnarter deck, and \>eiie%Ai}cL >3aft^ ^^^'^^ *^2^^ ^^

HY LirK AND

tbiee little berths, and the bottom of the car below the
deck will aerve ae a hold for stowing away ballast, thoagh
most aeronauta fiiid it necessary to have ballast close at
hand and ready for use. The quarter-deck and deck are
connected by a ladder, above them is a rope ladder leading
to a third deck of netting, and beyond to the balloon itself.
' ' And suppose you lose your fins," asked the interviewer,
as if he thought there was something estremely fishy
about the descriptive outline.

" We are not done for then," cried M. Jovis, " for here
fastened to the back of the quarter-deck by davits, hangs
a tiny lifeboat fitted with oars, sails, and a compass."

The Captain was invited to declare himself still further
in his ovm interesting way, the reporter wanted informa-
tion about the wind that would be depended upon for the
voyage.

"How shall I cross?" "In one of your Herald'
atorma," was the reply to the representative of the famous -
New York newspaper. "I espeet to make seventy miles
an hour and to land somewhere in Norway or Sweden,
three, or three and a half, days later, unless I can mana^ ,
to touch terra jirma in Ireland.

Evidently in the exercise of a fertile imagination M. ;
Jovis was well up in the supposed two mile high current)
and seemed ethereally to be bowling along at the rate of.
_ countless knots, and vividly indulging in an aerial dream
■ ■ which would land him jnst where his inclinations tended.
^B These charming and almost seductive airy wanderings
^ft might well bring the aci&iAw^^. "Swjft,'^'es»fefet qE the
^■Jjjstitnte, to utter a ^lote^ a^ »■ -^Mmii^,

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 271

That gentleman explained, *' that by going up into the
lofty regions, of the cirri, the balloonists might chance to
catch one of the currents in which the storms are formed,
which traverse the Atlantic between America and Europe.
He, however, pointed out that these currents go very slowly
at first, and do not acquire velocity until they reach twenty
or thirty-five degrees of north latitude. The journey there-
fore, supposing that it could be accomplished at all, would
take from ten to twelve days, instead of three-and-a-half.

" Moreover the currents do not go directly towards the
northern parts of Europe. After the parallel of ten
degrees, they proceed slowly towards the West, but at
thirty or thirty-five degrees they go straight towards the
North, according to the season, then incline towards the
East, and finally branch ofif to the North-east. The storms
and cyclones which are formed in these lofty regions would
be fraught with terrible peril to the balloonist."

This protest does not appear to have discouraged M.
Jovis and his party; but there may yet be one more potent
drawback, so far as regards the sinews of war, or the
200,000 firancs needed to complete the extraordinary pre-
parations. A balloon of 750,000 cubic feet capacity, even
if made of double cotton, costs a large sum, to say nothing
of the net-work, fantastic car, wonderful valve, and
unequalled varnishes, all of which will swallow up a vast
amount. In this country the cost has arrested the progress
of all colossal attempts, and expenditure for such objects, and
to such an extent, would never be forthcoming in England;
but it is truly astonishing hoYf b^oon ^ii\i^T^T«^^^ %x5^
supported in cozmtries less rich, ftiaii ova^. G;x^«cl^^*^2c^^^-

272 m UFB AND

worthy m&n when once the cash was placed before him,
never met ffith encouragement for a, transatlantic voyage,
in all probability he would not have made the trip to
Nassau in the year 1836, had it not been for Mr. Robert
Holland, M.P., who fitted ont and originated the expedition.
The Proven(;al Captain seems to be generonsly patronised
in the pecuniary part of the baainess, and to have the
confidence of volunteers ready to place their lives at his
disposal, and if he errs in his calcnlationa, they, like the
leader, will have to risk the consequences-
It is devoutly to be hoped that the life-boat will be in
good trim, and that she will right herself in whatever form
(head or tail) she takes the water, and that the last con-
necting link — the let-go line — will be simply arranged, for
if once this ponderous mass makes a plunge with a seventy
mile an hour wind, all hands will have to be prepared for
a rough time of it when the boat reaches the water.

But is it not possible for dauntless air travellers to
succeed ? Or could success be attained by resorting to
other and leas cumbrous accompaniments ?

These are qnestiona which have been put as an appeal
to ray private opinion, and I do not consider that it ia
altogether right to withhold my views. I shall, however,
broach them guardedly, lest I might, to ever so small an
extent, cast an encouraging glance where a serious frown
would be a more kindly act to any person wishing to run
such great risks, not pmely for the benefit of science,
or even the advancement of ballooning, but for fame
without the more ennobling motives which should stir the
energiea of practical aeronauts into that kind of activity

A,c;-o,v, i.F.NOX AND

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 278

which cannot be very well disapproved of, that is, unless
people set their faces against any and every kind of
atmospheric investigation and experiment.

If there is, in ballooning, one striking feature more
than another that I have observed with regret during the
last thirty years it is the number of gigantic machines
which have been constructed, more especially in France
and America. These appear to have been designed and
employed solely for vain-glorious and mere exhibitive
objects, without at any period of their career having been
used for meteorological, military, or navigating purposes.
There was the great captive balloon in Paris, which might
have done useful work by ascending for military objects by
day during the Franco-German war — ^well, what did they
do — or rather what did they forget — while engaged in a
pleasurable daily sight-seeing ? It is said that no less a
sum than iG40,000 was expended over that magnificent
structure, which, had it been kept for the purpose of
reconnoitring and signalling when the Prussian girdle was
closing in upon the devoted capital, might have proved
a more profitable and useful machine than it did.

Before this M. Nadar, a great and popular figure in his
way, was engaged in trying to solve the problem of flight,
and conspicuously praiseworthy were his eflforts — ^but what
was the final outcome of his labours, and what was the
end of his great balloon, which, so far as size went, was
equal to the greatest of undertakings ?

Then in America, as I have describedUn this volume,
there was the monster balloon Qfrapfcic ; ^^hfl^t dii d:\A ^
in the cause of science? Or t\i© "Viugj^ <!«5^b«^ \i!^^5ira^^

1374

UT LITE iSD

I Batterses, which broke away, and like the rest I have

I reforred to, never left any indelible mark on the annals of

I science ; and these, like some of the Atlantie-crosBing

I balloons which have posed for public approbation, never

I were known, and indeed never attempted to be mixed up,

eo far as I can remember, with one useful or acientifie

undertaking, but their repntation rested entirely upon

their proportions, tbair appearance, and their capacity for

administering pleasure and gratifying cariosity.

Now if it could be shown that crossing the Atlantic in a

' balloon, or the hazardous trial of skill and endurance in

< 80 doing, was likely to prove of service to the state or to

k any branch of modern art, then there might be some

f excuse for seeking to enlist the sympathies of the public

in its behalf. Suppose that Khartoum in General Gordon's

time had been aeparated by a great gulf of water, and

I that he could have been ballooned away homewards through

I the iustrumentahty of an ascent just while the British

army was within touch of tLat great and doomed man —

I do you suppose that the balloonists would have met with

I discouragement on the ground of risk to themselves?

I "Wby I do not beheve that oven Mr. Gladstone himself

I would have objected to save such a precioos life even by

I means opposed to military etiquette, or would have pleaded

that the general had better be left to his fate.

The reader will at once perceive what kind of thoughts
• pass through my mind, and I will further simplify and yet
I emphasize them by saying, that if an attempt to cross the
kiAtJantic had been bYo\3ig\i.\. \,o ■One iciYe,-^Qi!.^, ms.'j aeven at
Wgbt and tvrenty yeaia amee.^isAoTfe'OQfi'Q.T's.'tft^Mwv-

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 275

from America had been sent, and while that country was in
the throes of civil war, and, to pursue the thought,
supposing that some patriot warrior, or man of science had,
during these eventful times, come to London to seek aid
from the old country, there would have been some
reasonable ground or excuse for crossing in a balloon in
spite of all protest and peril ; and had such an attempt
been made, I for one, would have identified myself in some
way or other, with such a public-spirited, patriotic voyager.

In the year 1871, when so many Parisians fed upon
hard fare and even rats, I was asked by certain influential
persons to co-operate in trying to get into Paris, letters,
&c., for the inhabitants. I was on the point of taking out
some balloons to endeavour (in conjunction with two French
aeronauts), to start from Lille and other places outside the
German army, to be in readiness when the wind set fair for
Paris. The balloon would then travel on an air-path sixty
miles long by three or four miles broad, allowing the latter
for the diameter of Paris ; and if the hit or miss trial had
failed, then another sixty miles, so as to clear the German
army on the other side of the capital. The total distance
would thus not have exceeded 120 miles altogether, and
this would not have presented an insurmountable obstacle,
even if a spice of danger had been encountered, such as
would have been justifiable for the purpose of helping the
distressed, or the promotion and interests of science. The
capitulation, however, stopped this novel departure in aero-
nautics, but I mention the matter as an illustration to
my argument.

As an aeronaut, I have leNieweSi \Jafc ^oiji^'CJL^'e* ^\ *^^^^

ptmflkiail niMiy and I liaro not dufrniBed the daagew
irtiidi would i^pear to be insepanlile tram lengthened
wjBges. If Ibe queetioii iveie put to me as to wh^iber
I dMNiId he ampiifled to hear fluit a haUoon had crossed
the t^tiantie, lahoold aay, '< Tes, I am surprised/* but I
Befer held it to he impossiUe, and never stated as mneh,
and I win mention nhy I have shown that aerial voyages,
both in height and extent, depend npon the state of the
atmoephere at ihe time they are undertaken. One day it
is possible to go 100 nules with a moderate expenditure of
ballast, and no very great loss of gas, but on the next
oeeasion, to aeoomplish a like distance, three or fonr times
the amount of gas and sand may be necessary; and so it
is as r^ards height, for thick clonds, excessive moisture,
with occasional bursts of sunshine may vary and alter the
chances of success ; but I fail to see, so far as the declared
intentions of M. Jovis go, that the real and probable
difficulties are thoroughly grasped. If with a balloon of
over 800,000 feet capacity, and a lifting power of 59,400
pounds he meets with moderate winds, fine weather, and
pursues, what I should briefly term, the tactics of an
aeronautic expert, then I should not be surprised to hear
that he had kept jogging along and touched land, but if he
selects a storm to start in, and disregards other disturbing
influences, the efiects of which he may not have foreseen,
then his journey may not be half way across the ocean ; it
all depends on the modus operandi, as well as the gas
used, and the tightness of his balloon.

General Brine, in a lecture he gave after Sir Claude de
3respigny had preceded him in crossing the English

BALLOON EXPERIENECS. 277

Channel, stated that, *' of the twenty-three aerial travellers
in thirteen different balloons connected with these trips,
five were lost or killed ballooning, one (Colonel Burnaby)
was killed in action, seven were picked up by vessels, and
nine are still living, including Mr. Monck Mason, born in
1803, and himself."

This is not a very flattering report for the serious perusal
of one who meditates a voyage of over 3,000 miles.
Green's trip from Vauxhall Gardens, when he and Monck
Mason regarded the Channel as a mere river, and swept
over it almost unco^sciously, showed the difference betwixt
laboured efforts and a stately transit, unaccompanied by
dips, and picks up, which are not particularly reassuring
for a vastly more extended trip. True it is that the
balloons used were small, while Green's was large, still by
General Brine's own showing, Channel ballooning is not
such easy or safe work, but there is a way, I feel certain,
in which the difficulties of this kind of ballooning may be
very considerably reduced, but it is for every one who
desires to increase his professional knowledge in this line
to follow and stand fast by his own plans, and not to
imitate those of other people.

THE BALLOON ASCENTS OF 1888

fN taking leave of the ndmirors and pramotera of an
art, which I have endeavoured to portray in its tros;
colonra, I shall be e:specteil to say a few words by
way of conclusion.

Frequently throughout these pages referencea have been
made to the delights of air travelling, aa well as to tha
dangers inseparable from this mode of conveyance,

I have represented both the bright and the sombre side
jast according to my own experiences, and without, it is
hoped, laying extravagunt stress on the roseate part of tha
subject, or of describing too minutely the risks enconatered.
during rough weather, and these results certainly ought
not to be omitted in a volume which is designed to
truthful as well as instructive.

It is devoutly to be hoped that ardent young aspirant
will not forget, before they embark in a pursuit of thij
kind, to take note of the teachings of my book, and m
to be impressed with the idea that ballooning can b(
followed for any length of time without meeting wii
accidents while journeying through our atmosphere, t1
capricious character of which I have faithfully depicted.

MY LTFE AND BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 279

During the past summer numerous ascents have been
made in weather, which, aeronautically speaking, has been
of a mild, although abnormal character, strong winds
having been the exception and not the rule.

Fatalities, however, have occurred, and we cannot fail
to notice the almost total absence of military and meteoro-
logical experiments as a set off, to some extent, to mere
sensational exhibitions.

The public taste appears to have been invited to — and to
have rejoiced in — exploits which have not contributed very
much to the dignity, advancement, or useful application of
aerostation.

There have been no lack of daring and defiant perform-
ances. Professor Baldwin's parachute descents have taken
place, with one or two exceptions, under remarkably
favourable auspices. In his last trip from the Alexandra
Palace, when royalty witnessed the concluding descent, the
balloon appeared to hesitate, half way up, as to her course,
and actually stood still between the Prince and the Palace
as if a near and majestic drop were the right sort of thing
for this special occasion.

It was the most pleasing illustration of the so-called
jump, but, of course, the tranquil air, and not any guiding
power, caused the lucky parachutist to alight almost at the
feet of the Prince and Princess of Wales, whose congratu-
lations were warmly bestowed.

Well might such patronage stimulate Mr. George
Biggins, a British rival, who had just made a first success-
ful essay, to tread closely upon the heels of the clever
American. Mr. Higgins has shown at Coventry and

I
I

280 MY LIFE AND

elsewhere, that one Briton, at any rate, can emulate the
series of parachute drops which have proved so attractive ;
be maBt be content to further win his spurs before he weara
them, and mast not forget that he &ai others will have a
great deal of up and down work to surpass Baldwin's
achievements ; but it is only fair to the Englishman to
say that his lead off from the Greyhonad Crardens, Lea
Bridge, and from Leicester, were most plucky, as strong
winds prevailed at the time.

Mr. Higgins has had the advantage of a good trainer in
the person of Mr. Arthur Orton, whose balloon " The
Eagle," bore a suitable name for an iuternational parachute

It is said that other experimentalists will appear next
year to try their hand even if they do not display aptitude
in this branch of ballooning.

When, however, we thinJi of Miss Dare's performanoea,
as well as those to which alluBion has been made, we
ought not to shut onr eyes to the ghastly episode in Ottawa)
and in Esses, It is to be hoped that a fi-esh outburst ot,
the parachute fever will not become general.

There were one or two new departures this year to which
reference should be made ; the first consisted of the asoent
of a bottle-shaped balloon, which was constructed by the
manufacturer, Charles Green Spencer, whose father's
name is so well known in connection with the veteran
Green. Messrs. Spencer & Son, of Hollo way, made
this novel shaped balloon with a view of calling
public attention to M.t. Sobn Gosaeffi^ Caeix^ ■?i'*«sam.
perfume, but as tlie gaseous cottWt&a oi ■itj^ v^Yua.'

BALIiOON EXPEBIENOES. 281

cannot be particularly sweet, it strikes me that a case of
Cherry Blossom in glass bottles, would prove serviceable
for a blending process, especially when expansion takes
place, and after the descent when the gas is being let off.
In that situation, gentlemen, and especially ladies, would
gladly make a purchase to remove the atmospheric
contamination.

I may also mention a feature connected with Montgolfier
balloons, which purports to be an improvement in the
method of heating the air. This is effected by Mr. J. J.
Norman's petroleum burner, which has been seen by
Major Templer, and is spoken favourably of by Mr. Brearey,
Honorary Secretary of the Aeronautical Society of Great
Britain. I hope to see this plan, and to form my own
opinion of its merits.

Lastly, it has been announced that Mr. John Sangster
will place at the disposal of Mr. Le Fevre and the Council
of the Balloon Society £1,000 towards a fund to reward
the first aerial navigator who solves the problem of con-
ducting, scientifically, a machine through the air, as ships
are navigated through the water.

While I write I receive an account of a parachute
disaster which I subjoin.

" B. F. Vandegriffc, the American aeronaut, met with a
fearful death at Columbus, Ohio, on Thursday week. He
had ascended in his balloon from Exhibition Park, with a
view of descending by means of a parachute. When the
balloon had reached an altitude of about half-a-mile ii
suddenly collapsed and began lo Siei^CietA., ^T*^^ ^ss^^^^^^j^sc*.
were terror-stricken, as they expeeXifeOi \a^ ^^^ "^^ss^^'^^S^

a MY LIFE AHD

daalied to pieces on reaching the ground. With great
preaenee of mind, however, the aeronaut cut tho cord
attaching the parachute to the baUooQ, and tried to leap
clear of the latter. After descending rapidly for some
distiinee, the parachute expanded and sailed away on the
wind. The balloon, however, hore rapidly down npon the
atironaut, and threatened to become entangled with the
parachnte. By desterous management, Vandegrift was
able to keep dear of it. But now a new danger presented
itself. It was seen that the course the parachnte was
taking would inevitably lead to its descent into the
turbulent waters of the Chataboochee River, and a great
cry went up from the crowd. As the parachute approaehed
the water Vandegrift was heard to cry wildly, ' Save me!
save me! ' These words of entreaty were addi'essed to two
fishermen who were paddling up stream in a small boat.
The men heard the cry and rowed towards the descending
parachute as swiftly as possible, reaching the scene a few
minutes after it had settled in the water. The balloonist
caught hold of the side of the bateau, and in trying to
draw himself up partially overturned the frail craft which
began to till rapidly. The men in the boat became alarmed,
and rushing to the opposite end, by some means Vandegrift
lost hold and sank. He never rose again, and search for
his body was still in progress when this report left."

Taken as a whole, the aeronautic doings of this year
form a singular combination of novelties, though it must
be confessed that the era of 1888 has not proved that
the solution of a long looked for problem is very close at
jband. But there ate no Teaaon^ for despaix-. We have

BALLOON EXPERIENCES. 288

had an opportunity of frequently observing the wonderful
sustaining powers of air, when a sufBicient surface has
grappled with the lighter fluid above. What we now
require is motive force instead of a mere compressing
contrivance like a parachute. It is not reasonably to be
expected, that in little more than a century, a modern art,
which has to do battle with so attenuated a substance, as
indeed the ocean overhead has been found, will yield to
man's ingenuity so quickly as desired.

Ballooning is still an infant, but it will lead to aerial
navigation and will grow if duly nurtured and indefatigably
pursued by the right sort of cultivation.

It is this which is so much needed, and it may be that
a high order of association will, one day, be formed,
composed of leaders and members, whose motives, abilities,
and means, will enable them to reward those who can
really lead us forward to emulate the feathered tribe, and
to accomplish propulsion through the air as we now travel
over the water.

PrtnUd by T. BretteU tt Co,, 51, Rupert Street W.

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